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Green Pepper, Tofu, & Spanish Barley Tacos (Vegan+GF)

Sometimes the simplest combinations are the best. These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients

Spanish Barley:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups pearl barley
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Peppers:

  • 2 medium green bell peppers sliced into rings
  • 1 medium onion sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt & black pepper to taste

Tofu:

  • 1 15 ounce block extra firm tofu
  • 1/2 cup tomato salsa
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or maple syrup

Tacos:

  • 8 - 10 medium flour tortillas replace with corn tortillas or gf if needed
  • 2/3 cup fresh cherry or regular tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup butterhead lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded vegan "cheddar cheese"
  • non-dairy plain yogurt optional
  • salsa or hot sauce optional
  • cilantro lime hummus or chipotle hummus are both delicious with these too.

Instructions

Spanish Barley:

  1. Combine onion, garlic, and olive oil in a large skillet and saute over medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and browned. Pour in remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 35 to 45 minutes until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. If the liquid is absorbed before the barley is tender add a bit of water to the pan.

Peppers:

  1. While the barley simmers, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet and add peppers and onions. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until peppers are softened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken into pan and stir over heat for about 1 minute to warm then remove from heat

Tofu:

  1. In a non-stick skillet, fry the tofu slices for about 2-3 minutes until browned. (If you want you can add oil but I find if I use a good pan it's not necessary). Remove from pan and place in a separate dish to cool for a moment. Chop the tofu slices into small bits and add to the pan along with the salsa and seasonings. Add a bit of water as needed until the mixture is evenly mixed. Simmer for about 10 minutes until fully heated through and the liquid is absorbed.

Tacos:

  1. Assemble the tacos with barley, tofu, lettuce, tomatoes, cooked peppers and onions, cheese, and desired sauces.