Description of this recipe
These Crispy Vegan Taquitos are a delicious and satisfying plant-based twist on a classic Mexican favorite. Packed with a flavorful filling of black beans, sweet potatoes, corn, and spices, these taquitos are baked to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and a tender, savory interior. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these taquitos are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this Crispy Vegan Taquitos recipe because it’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans creates a naturally sweet and savory profile that is both nutritious and satisfying. Baking the taquitos instead of frying keeps them light and healthy, without sacrificing the delightful crispy texture. Plus, they’re totally customizable with your favorite toppings, making them a hit for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Introduction
Taquitos, those delightful rolled tortillas filled with savory goodness, are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, they often contain meat and cheese, but this vegan version proves that you can enjoy all the deliciousness without any animal products. These Crispy Vegan Taquitos are a celebration of plant-based flavors, combining the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the hearty richness of black beans.
This recipe isn’t just about creating a meat-free alternative; it’s about elevating the taquito experience with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp tortilla, revealing a warm and flavorful filling that dances on your taste buds. The smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder create a complex flavor profile that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and corn.
What sets these taquitos apart is the baking method. While frying taquitos is a common practice, baking them allows for a healthier and equally satisfying result. The olive oil brushed on the tortillas helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch. This method also makes the recipe more accessible to home cooks, as it eliminates the need for deep-frying and the associated mess and health concerns.
Beyond the delightful taste and texture, these taquitos are also a nutritional powerhouse. Black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Corn adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to the overall texture of the filling. This recipe is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these Crispy Vegan Taquitos are a fantastic choice. They’re perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, vegan sour cream, fresh cilantro
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step to ensure that the taquitos bake evenly and achieve that coveted crispy texture. While the oven is heating, you can move on to preparing the filling. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven to promote even heat distribution. A preheated oven is the foundation for perfectly baked taquitos.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black beans, mashed sweet potatoes, corn kernels, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The filling should have a slightly chunky texture but be evenly mixed, ensuring that each ingredient is well distributed throughout. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. This filling is the heart of the taquitos, so make sure it’s packed with flavor.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make the tortillas more pliable and prevent them from cracking during rolling, you need to warm them up. There are two primary methods for warming tortillas: the microwave method and the skillet method.
- Microwave Method: Stack the tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave for about 30 seconds. This method uses the moisture from the paper towels to steam the tortillas and make them soft.
- Skillet Method: Warm the tortillas individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This method provides a slight char and adds a bit of smoky flavor.
Whichever method you choose, ensure that the tortillas are warm and flexible before proceeding to the next step. If the tortillas are still stiff, they are likely to crack when rolled.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Once your tortillas are warm and pliable, it’s time to assemble the taquitos. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling on one side of each tortilla. Spread it out slightly, leaving a small margin on the edges. Roll the tortilla tightly, starting from the side with the filling, and continue rolling until the tortilla is tightly wrapped around the filling. The tighter the roll, the better the taquito will hold its shape during baking. Repeat this process for all the tortillas. If you find that the tortillas are still cracking, you can lightly brush them with water or olive oil before adding the filling.
Step 5: Bake the Taquitos
Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is essential to prevent them from unrolling during baking. Ensure that the taquitos are not overcrowded on the baking sheet, as this can affect their ability to crisp up evenly. Brush the tops of the taquitos generously with olive oil to encourage browning and crisping. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps the taquitos achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
Bake the taquitos in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. You may want to flip them halfway through baking to ensure even crisping on all sides. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Once they are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your taquitos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. They’re best enjoyed hot, straight out of the oven, when the tortillas are at their crispiest and the filling is still warm and flavorful. Serve them with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, vegan sour cream, and fresh cilantro. These toppings add freshness and flavor that complements the savory filling and crispy tortillas.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Cooking: Intermediate
- Taste: Delicious and flavorful
- Presentation: Appealing and visually attractive
- Healthiness: Healthy and nutritious
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Make it a meal by pairing it with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
- Serve as part of a taco bar with various toppings and fillings.
- Enjoy as a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- Perfect for parties, game days, and gatherings.
Tips:
- If you don’t have black beans on hand, pinto beans or kidney beans work well too.
- Add finely chopped spinach or kale to the filling for a nutritional boost.
- For a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free corn tortillas to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
- Preheat your baking sheet in the oven for extra crispy taquitos.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per taquito, without toppings)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion
These Crispy Vegan Taquitos are a testament to the fact that plant-based cooking can be both incredibly delicious and satisfying. With a flavorful filling of black beans, sweet potatoes, and corn, encased in perfectly crispy corn tortillas, these taquitos are a crowd-pleaser that’s
