I think the taco could be the perfect food...so why limit them to one day? Or even one day of the week? I try to do some sort of taco at least once a week, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are the ultimate in flexible. You can easily please every palate by providing a choice of optional fillings, and please the whole crowd with our Vegan Tacos Three Ways or these Cauliflower Tacos . Once you try these cheesy mushroom tacos, however, you may not need any more options.
All you need for this recipe is:
- squash (optional)
- mushrooms (nearly any variety works but I used cremini here for the flavor)
- shallot (or onion)
- black beans
- spices
- leafy greens
- corn tortillas (make sure to buy a brand without preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc.)
- cashew cheese sauce (recipe below)
Cremini Mushrooms. I am a big fan of mushrooms...and cremini mushrooms in particular. Not only are they delicious and beautiful, they are a great source of plant-based vitamin D (if you leave them out in the sun before cooking, you can even increase their vitamin D content), B-vitamins, potassium, selenium, fiber, protein and a host of amino acids linked with lowering inflammation. They are widely considered cancer-protective, as they contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which has shown to prevent cancer cell growth. Cremini mushrooms also boast an amino acid called ergothioneine (EGT) which has been linked to reducing inflammation, protecting blood vessels and improving cholesterol levels. These beautiful and delicious mushrooms are also given credit for helping to restore gut health, improve energy, and lower blood pressure.
Cashews are a healthy source of unsaturated fat. Not actually a true nut, they are a seed that comes from the cashew tree, most commonly Brazil although other countries like Vietnam are quickly trying to increase production of these popular "tree nuts." A good source of protein, fat and carbs, cashews are also rich in micronutrients such as copper, manganese, phosphorus, thiamine, vitamin K, as well as many that are often found deficient including iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and B6. They are also a good source of antioxidants including polyphenols and carotenoids that can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
During our Spring Detox, we explored reasons why you will likely feel better eating plant-based recipes. It really starts with nutrition. In a nutshell, your body is a highly complex system and needs micronutrients (including minerals and vitamins) in order to function properly. By swapping out ingredients (like meat and cheese, for example), for plant-based sources of protein, fat and carbohydrate, you can dramatically increase your nutrient intake and help support your body's own systems.
When you compare mushrooms to beef or pork, for example, cashews contain a similar amount of protein (5 grams per ounce) but ALSO contain all the nutrients listed above. The animal protein, on the other had, contains less desirable inflammatory (saturated) fat, no fiber, only trace amounts of micronutrients (this will also depend on your source of meat) and is linked to increased inflammation, cancer risk, and heart disease, just to name a few.
So let's get cooking...
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