For the past couple of years, I’ve made a taco filling with walnuts. It’s very quick to make and really tasty. Until you need something with no nuts. While I can’t eradicate the human nuts from my kitchen, I knew I could find a way to make meatless tacos that were also nut free and maybe even raw vegan.
So I sought out to find an alternative to nuts. Would you believe this is even better than the walnut one I thought was absolutely fine? Isn’t that how it often works out? A new dietary challenge often ends up being the impetus to creating something that tastes even better. This taco filling is made with sunflower seeds! While not always a cup-for-cup replacement for nuts, it required minimal modification to my walnut taco filling to make a similar filling that is even more flavorful.
As I mentioned in my jackfruit taco post, my go-to for taco shells is a very thinly sliced jicama. I learned this from Diane at The Whole Gang and have never looked back. It’s crunchy, light and perfect for making a plate full of tacos, not to mention gluten-free.
Here’s how I made these tacos:
One slice of jicama and a bit of sunflower seed filling:
A generous dollop of lazy guacamole*:
Just a bit of shredded cabbage. And that’s it.
Super easy and makes a very quick dinner for four!
Johnna's Favorite Taco Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 2 T . chili powder (I use medium heat from Penzeys)
- 1 T . cumin
- 2 t . ground black pepper
- 1 ½ t . finely ground sea salt
- 1 t . paprika (I like smoked)
- ½ t . garlic powder
- ½ t . oregano
- ½ t . onion powder
- ½ t . red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Mix all together and store in an airtight container, such as a glass jar. I mix a large batch and keep it handy. Give the jar a good shake to mix the spices together before using.
Sunny Tacos, gluten-free, raw vegan, nut-free taco filling
Ingredients
- 1 cup sunflower seeds , soaked overnight in water, rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 T . tahini
- 1 T . Bragg's Aminos or gluten-free soy sauce
- 2 t . taco seasoning (see my favorite blend below)
- Juice of 1 lemon , approximately 2 to 3 T.
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in bowl of food processor, fitted with "s" blade. Pulse until well ground, but not long enough to turn into a paste.
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This makes four generous servings. Store any leftovers for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
*My version of lazy guacamole isn’t really a recipe. I toss in a couple of avocados, one small onion diced, a handful of cherry tomatoes halved, a little garlic, a little cumin, juice of a lime and stir away.
I’m linking up with Gluten Free Cat’s Raw Foods Thursday. And while you are at her site, check out the tacos she shared this week–the nacho cheese spread she made is delicious!
Sounds wonderful except I’m “off” avocados for at least six months. What can I substitute? Thanks!
Hi Shara! So nice to hear from you! A few options: first, skip the guacamole. They are great without it. Second, look for an avocado-less guacamole. I have made broccomole (guac with steamed broccoli) and even a guacamole with peas. Chocolate Covered Katie has a recipe to make guacamole with asparagus, which is in such abundance right now. Here’s a link to her recipe: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/03/08/avocado-free-guacamole/ Hope you are doing well! 🙂
Yum!! Love your taco seasoning ingredients, too! 🙂
Shirley
Thanks, Shirley! I used to buy a package mix, and while it didn’t show any gluten ingredients, something in it didn’t work. This has a similar flavor but doesn’t antagonize my tummy.
Can you believe we both posted about jicama tacos the same week? I guess it was love at first bite at the gfe retreat! I love your filling and can’t wait to make it. In fact, excuse me while I go soak those sunflower seeds for my lunch tomorrow!
Thanks so much for linking up at Raw Foods Thursdays! Your recipes are brilliant!
Heather
Your tacos were so very beautiful, Heather! I’m so glad I was at the gfe retreat last year and connected with you. I learned so much, the jicama taco shells probably being the culinary tidbit I use most often. Thanks for hosting the round-up, I look forward to it every week!
Ha, ha, ha…”While I can’t eradicate the human nuts from my kitchen”… snicker..
I’m glad someone appreciates my attempts at humor. It’s funny when I write it… 🙂
Not sure what happened to the rest of my comment???? It’s vanished?
Oh no! I don’t know why that would happen?
I added a smiley face from Apple’s character viewer right after the”…” ? when i posted the comment it all was gone after that?
Anyway… looks pretty tasty. might have to try it. you never mentioned if the cabbage or whatever salad was on top was dressed with, if anything?
No dressing on the cabbage, just a but of guacamole. 🙂