Vegetarian tacos are filling, healthy, and extraordinarily delicious. You can use a blend of grilled or sauteed veggies, or stick with traditional rice and beans. You can opt to go for intense heat, or mild and delicate flavor. Here is a guide that will show you how to make a vegetarian taco.

• Tacos are the culinary jewels of Mexico. While they traditionally feature meat fillings, vegetarian versions are just as tasty, if not more so. Even better, all of the ingredients are relatively cheap -- you can make a hearty, nutritious meal of veggie tacos for only a few dollars.

1. There are several varieties of tortilla that may be used to make tacos. Just check the ingredient list to make sure no lard is in them. Choose from:

2. Soft corn tortillas

3. Crispy (fried) corn tortillas

4. Soft flour tortillas

• An assortment of fillings may be stuffed inside vegetarian tacos. The following may be used alone or in a combination:

1. Grilled, barbecued or sauteed chopped vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper and onion make a good combo)
2. Mashed or fried potatoes
3. Pinto beans, plain or refried
4. Black beans, plain or refried
5. Rice
6. Corn
7. Ground-beef style veggie protein (such as Morningstar Crumbles or SmartGround), cooked with taco seasoning

• Try one or a combination of the following:

1. Salsa
2. Guacamole
3. Avocado
4. Jalapenos
5. Chopped tomatoes
6. Shredded lettuce
7. Chopped onions
8. Sour cream (or vegan sour cream)
9. Cheese (Like cheddar, Monterey jack, or soy cheese)

• Once your ingredients are assembled, it is time to construct the tacos.

1. Warm soft tortillas on a grill, or in a microwave for 30-60 seconds (you do not need to warm crispy shells)
2. Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling into each tortilla
3. Sprinkle on cheese, if using
4. Spoon on wet toppings, like salsa and sour cream
5. Sprinkle veggies on top

• Here are some tortilla, filling and topping combinations that are worth trying:

1. Flour tortilla, grilled veggies,cheese, salsa, sour cream, tomatoes and lettuce
2. Crispy corn tortilla, refried black beans, cheese, guacamole and jalapenos
3. Soft corn tortilla, pinto beans, rice, salsa, sour cream, avocado and shredded lettuce

• Vegetarian tacos are simple to make, taste great, and won't leave you hungry. Experiment with different combinations of fillings and toppings to find your favorite recipe. Be careful not to overstuff, or else your taco may become difficult to eat with your hands.

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