VEGGIE TACOS

Veggie Tacos image

Provided by Sheila Lukins

Yield Makes 8 tacos

Number Of Ingredients 22

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Vegetable Filling:
1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
6 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup diced onion
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes
3/4 pound plum tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup canned dark-red kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained
For the tacos:
8 hard corn taco shells
2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup diced red onion
4 ripe plum tomatoes, diced
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces grated Cheddar cheese

Steps:

1. Place the eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Let stand for 1 hour. Pat dry with paper towels. Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté until almost tender, adding more oil if necessary. Remove to a casserole.
2. Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet over low heat; wilt the onion, garlic and red pepper for 10 minutes, then add to the casserole. Place casserole over low heat and add the ingredients up through the parsley. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes.
3. Stir in the kidney beans and chickpeas; cook for 15 minutes. The skin of the eggplant should be tender. Adjust seasonings.
4. Prepare the tacos: Place 1/4 cup of the cooked veggies in each taco shell. Top with some shredded lettuce and 1 tablespoon each of the onion and tomatoes. Dollop with sour cream and sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.