Taco Time!

One of my husband's favorite things from his food past are ground beef tacos.  This version uses tvp (textured vegetable protein) in place of the beef.  These tacos could fool any carnivore.

Taco Filling

1 cup tvp

1 cup water

1 "Not Beef" or vegetable bouillon cube 

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp liquid smoke

1 tbsp Worcestershire

- Bring water to a boil and add bouillon until dissolved

- Pour over tvp and let sit for about 30 minutes to rehydrate

- Add remaining ingredients and stir well

Seasoning

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/4 onion chopped finely

2 tbsp olive oil

- Saute onion in olive oil until tender

- Add tvp and remaining spices

- Continue to cook for another 15 minutes until spices have melded

Refried Beans

1 can drained black or pinto beans

1/4 onion finely chopped

1 clove garlic minced

1 jalapeno or chipotle pepper minced

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp olive oil
1/2-1 cup water or stock

- Saute onion, garlic and pepper in oil until tender

- Add beans and seasonings and continue to cook on medium heat, occasionally pressing a spatula into the mixture and adding water or stock until beans break down to desired consistency

Tvp is essentially defatted soy flour. It is extremely high in protein and fiber, and once rehydrated, resembles ground meat. It is typically found in the baking aisle or bulk food section.