Burritos? Tacos? Nachos? You can never go wrong with Mexican.

One of the best meals to have during the week, as a gluten-intolerant-vegan, is ANYTHING Mexican inspired.

It’s easy, quick, and most importantly, delicious.

Here’s my go-to basics for tacos, burritos/burrito bowls and even nachos. Serve with your choice of salad, vegan cheese, taco shells, tortillas/tortilla chips.

BEAN MIX
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 red onion, diced

• 2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed

• 1 can of black beans, thoroughly rinsed

• 1 cup of textured vegetable protein (TVP) - prepared as per packet instructions

• 1/2 cup sweet corn, canned or fresh

• 1/2 red capsicum, diced

• 1 can of diced tomatoes

• Spice mix: 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tbsp cumin, 1/2 tbsp chilli flakes (or as desired), 2 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp oregano, 1/2 tbsp ground cumin seeds, 1/2 tbsp turmeric

• Fresh Juice of 1/2 a lime

Method:

1. In a medium to large frying pan, heat up the extra virgin olive oil on medium heat.

2. Add the diced red onion and crushed garlic, and sauté until everything has a clear coating of oil.

3. Add the rinsed black beans, TVP, sweet corn and diced capsicum and sauté for 5 minutes or so, then add in the can of tomatoes and the spice mix.

4. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring regularly.

5. In the last 5 minute squeeze in the fresh lime juice and stir through.

FRESH SALSA

Ingredients:

• 1-2 fresh roma tomatoes

• 1/2 red onion

• 1/2 capsicum

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• Fresh juice of 1/4 lime

• Seasoning: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, chilli flakes (or to taste), cumin and oregano

• Fresh coriander (if you don’t think it’s gross)

Method:

1. Chop/dice tomatoes, onion and capsicum and add to a small mixing bowl.

2. Add the tomato paste, lime juice and all seasoning and whisk together until completely combined. If mixture is too thick add a splash of water.
   

GUACAMOLE

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado

• Seasoning: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic and onion powder, 1 tsp chilli flakes, fresh juice of 1/2 lime, salt to taste

Method:

1. Using a fork or a mortar & pestle (if you have one), mash up the avocado until creamy.

2. Add in the seasoning and combine.