Hearty Lentil Rajas

Rajas con queso is a traditional Mexican dish that combines strips of poblano peppers and onions with cream. This vegan option includes coconut milk, lentils, and soy to help pack in more protein. ⁠ ⁠⁠INGREDIENTS ⁠ ⁠FOR THE MAIN DISH

⁠18 ounces rajas ⁠⁠18 ounces lentils for rajas ⁠⁠4 ounces Morita Chile crema ⁠⁠2 ounces avocado, sliced ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠FOR THE RAJAS

⁠3 ounces soy curls ⁠1.5 cups vegetable stock ⁠⁠1/2 teaspoon olive oil ⁠⁠3 ounces poblano peppers ⁠⁠2 ounces yellow onion ⁠2.5 ounces corn ⁠1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced ⁠⁠1/2 cup light coconut milk ⁠3 tablespoons creamed coconut ⁠⁠1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⁠1/2 teaspoon salt ⁠ ⁠FOR THE LENTILS

⁠1 cup beluga lentils ⁠1 ounce cilantro, chopped ⁠2 ounces thyme roasted tomatoes ⁠1 ounce pickled onions ⁠1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⁠ ⁠ ⁠FOR MORITA CHILE CREMA

⁠1/4 Morita Chile pepper ⁠2.5 tablespoons hot water ⁠1.25 ounces vegan cream cheese ⁠1/8 teaspoons garlic, minced ⁠1.5 teaspoons lime juice ⁠1/8 teaspoon salt ⁠1 ounce pine nuts, toasted

⁠⁠INSTRUCTIONS ⁠ ⁠TO ASSEMBLE 

⁠⁠In each serving bowl, scoop 4.5 ounces of rajas, followed by 4.5 ounces of lentils. Drizzle on 1 ounce Morita Chile crema and garnish with 1/2 ounce of sliced avocado. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠TO MAKE THE RAJAS

1. ⁠Place soy curls in a pot with the vegetable stock. Bring to a bare simmer and cook covered for 10 minutes.

2. In a sauté pan, add olive oil, julienned poblano peppers and onions, and corn. Cook over medium-high heat until onions are translucent.

3. Add garlic and cook briefly.

4. Finish by adding coconut milk, creamed coconut, salt, pepper, and rehydrated soy curls. Stir until everything is heated through.

⁠TO MAKE THE LENTILS

1. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil then add in lentils. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender. Drain off any excess water.

2. Chop cilantro, roasted tomatoes, and pickled onions. Add to cooked lentils. Season with pepper.

⁠TO MAKE THE MORITA CHILE CREMA

1. Rehydrate Morita Chile in hot water for 20 minutes.

2. Remove any seeds from the Morita and add to a blender with the vegan cream cheese, garlic, lime juice, salt, and toasted pine nuts. Blend until smooth.

⁠NOTES

1. Soy Curls are a soy-based meat alternative, made from boiling and dehydrating soybeans.

2. To make pickled onions: Toss 1 ounce sliced red onions with 1/8 teaspoon dry oregano, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Refrigerate overnight, then drain liquid.

3. Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.