Ingredients
1headcauliflower,large, sliced into bite-sized florets
3tbspolive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1tbspolive oil
1cuponion,yellow or white, chopped
2clovesgarlic,large, pressed or minced
2tbsptomato paste
½tspground cumin
½tspchili powder
¾cupbrown lentils,picked over for debris and rinsed
2cupsvegetable broth,or water
⅓cupmayonnaise
2tbsplime juice
3tbspadobo sauce,(from a can of chipotle peppers) or chipotle hot sauce to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
8corn tortillas,small, round
½cuppacked fresh cilantro leaves
Preparation
To roast the cauliflower, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss cauliflower florets with enough olive oil to cover them in a light, even layer of oil.
Season with salt and pepper and arrange the florets in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet.
Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway, until the florets are deeply golden on the edges.
Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic with a dash of salt for about 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and turning translucent.
Add the tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly. Add the lentils and the vegetable broth or water.
Raise heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes to 45 minutes, until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
Reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, and add more broth or water if the liquid evaporates before the lentils are done.
Once the lentils are done cooking, drain off any excess liquid, then cover and set aside.
To prepare the chipotle sauce, just whisk together the ingredients and set them aside. (If using whole chipotle peppers from the can, use a blender to purée it all).
Warm tortillas individually in a pan over medium heat. Stack the warm tortillas and cover them with a tea towel if not serving the tacos immediately.
Assemble the tacos. Top each tortilla with the lentil mixture, cauliflower, a drizzle of chipotle sauce and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
