Vegan Chipotle Lentil Lettuce Wraps

Vegan ​Chipotle Lentil Lettuce Tacos
Recipe by Erin McClung
Makes 4 servings - 3 lettuce tacos per serving

12 large romaine lettuce leaves washed & dried
 
For the lentils:
2 cups cooked french green lentils (or any hearty lentil)
1 jalapeno, chopped
1/2 c onion, chopped
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili powder
1/2-1 chipotle in adobo chopped + a little (or a lot!) sauce
sea salt
olive oil
water or broth as needed
 
For serving:
1/2 C toasted pepitas
salsa/pico
avocado
shredded cabbage/carrot
black olives
cilantro
red pepper
tomato

To make the pepitas:
In a dry pan over low heat toast the pepitas until they begin to get brown. Remove from pan & set aside.
 
Cashew Chipotle Queso (adapted from Minimalist Baker- http://minimalistbaker.com/ )
3/4 C cashews (soaked for 2+ hours, or for 20 mins w/ boiling water, you can omit the soaking and the queso will be a little less smooth but still amazing)
1/4-1/2 C water
1.5 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 chipotle in adobo + sauce
 
To make the Cashew Chipotle Queso:
Put the cashews in a food processor or high speed blender with 1/4 c of water until a paste is formed. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Add more water until you achieve the consistency you desire.
 
To make the lentil meat:
Coat a pan with a little olive oil (or oil of choice) over medium heat. Once oil is heated add onion & sautee for a few minutes until softened. Add jalapenos & sautee for another minute or two. Add the cooked lentils, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, chili powder and salt. Stir to incorporate. Add the tomato paste and chipotle + sauce to the pan. Adding water or broth as needed to fully incorporate the tomato paste. Cook until lentils are warm.
 
To assemble:
Divide the lentils evenly onto each lettuce leaf. Top with salsa, black olives, cashew chipotle queso, pepitas & any other toppings you desire. Pick up & eat like a taco! Enjoy!