These Tacos Al Pastor Platter with LightLife Smart Ground are probably one of the most delicious recipes I have shared yet. It’s easy and highly customizable to fit your needs. The key lies in the traditional Mexican marinade, and you can use whatever taco toppings your heart desires.
Thank you LightLife for sponsoring this post.
As a registered dietitian passionate about promoting healthy and sustainable eating, I'm excited to share a delightful recipe for plant-based Al Pastor Tacos using LightLife Smart Grounds. This vibrant and savory twist on a classic Mexican dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this flavorful plant-based meal!
Why you will want to try these Tacos Al Pastor With LightLife Smart Ground?
Fiber-Rich Ingredients for Digestive Health: The ingredients in this recipe, including guajillo chilies, onions, and Smart Grounds, are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain intestinal health, and supports a healthy gut. Consuming a diet rich in fiber is associated with a lower risk of digestive issues, such as constipation, and may contribute to better overall gut health.
Loaded with Antioxidants and Vitamins: The marinade in this recipe features ingredients like guajillo chilies, pineapple juice, and Mexican oregano, all of which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and contribute to overall health. Pineapple, for example, is a good source of vitamin C and manganese, important for immune function and bone health, respectively.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Despite the simplicity, this recipe doesn't compromise on flavor. The marinade features a carefully selected combination of ingredients that deliver a burst of authentic Mexican taste. With just a handful of readily available items, you can create a marinade that infuses the Smart Grounds with the bold and traditional Al Pastor flavors.
Plant-based powered up without feeling weighed down:
As a registered dietitian, I always emphasize the importance of including adequate amounts of protein per recipe. LightLife Smart Grounds is a high-quality source of plant-based protein with 10g of protein per serving and 0g of saturated fat. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Incorporating plant-based protein options into your diet can contribute to overall protein diversity and promote a well-rounded, balanced diet.
Ingredients & Substitutions:
1 LightLife Smart Grounds Box. You can find them in the refrigerated produce aisles at your local grocery stores. I got mine from Kroger.
Marinate:
1 dried guajillo chili
4 cloves
1 ½ cups pineapple juice
½ cup white vinegar
¼ cup water
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 ½ tsp Mexican oregano
â…› tsp cloves
2 oz achiote paste
1 ½ tsp salt
Corn Tortillas
Lime
Avocadoes
Cilantro
White Onions
Directions:
1-Preparing the Marinade:
Begin by preparing the marinade for the soy Smart Grounds. Remove the seeds and stems from the dried guajillo chili. In a pan over medium heat, lightly toast the guajillo chili and cloves until fragrant.
In a blender, combine the toasted guajillo chili, cloves, pineapple juice, white vinegar, water, chopped onion, cumin, Mexican oregano, cloves, achiote paste, and salt. Blend until smooth, creating a flavorful marinade.
2- Marinating the Smart Grounds:
Place the LightLife Smart Grounds in a dish and coat them thoroughly with the prepared marinade. Ensure the Smart Grounds are evenly coated, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors of the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for a more intense flavor, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
3- Cooking the Smart Grounds:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated Smart Grounds and cook until they are nicely browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
4- Assembling the Tacos:
Warm up your favorite corn or flour tortillas. Spoon the cooked Smart Grounds onto each tortilla.
Add your desired taco toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Plant-Based Protein & Your Health
Incorporating plant-based protein into your diet offers a myriad of nutritional benefits that extend beyond just a delicious meal. Plant-based proteins are a valuable source of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a well-rounded and healthful diet.
Hormone Balance: One remarkable advantage of plant-based proteins is their positive impact on hormone balance. Plant proteins typically contain a variety of phytonutrients, including antioxidants and phytoestrogens, which can support hormonal health. Phytoestrogens, found in foods like soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas, have a structure similar to estrogen and can help regulate hormonal levels within the body.
Heart Health: opting for plant-based protein choices can contribute to lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol compared to animal-based protein sources. This is particularly advantageous for heart health, as reducing saturated fat intake is linked to a decreased risk of heart disease.
Versatility and Culinary Creativity: From tacos to salads, stir-fries, burgers, and more, the culinary possibilities are endless. Experimenting with plant-based proteins allows you to unleash your creativity, explore new flavors, and discover exciting and satisfying meal options.