Vegan Spiced Pecan Taquitos

Make these taquitos (rolled mini tacos filled with spicy, savory ingredients) with pecans. Crisp them up in an air fryer or the oven and top with your favorite condiments like non-dairy cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. Serve them as apps or hors d'oeuvres when friends come over.

Normally, taquitos are filled with some kind of animal protein like beef or chicken, but this recipe gives them a vegan makeover with finely chopped pecans that have a similar consistency and texture to beef crumbles. When seasoned, your guests won't be able to tell the difference.

The best part about this recipe is that it's healthier for you than the real thing and because we're using pecans, you eliminate all that saturated fat and replace it with monounsaturated fat which can help lower blood pressure. Pecans are a great source of protein and fiber, as well, which promotes a healthy digestive system.

Make this recipe when having friends over and serve these taquitos buffet style so everyone can add their favorite toppings. With this recipe, any night is a fiesta.

Recipe Developer: Liz Moody

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Vegan Spiced Pecan Taquitos

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan pieces, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil and more to brush tortillas
• 3 cups fresh or frozen cauliflower rice
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
• 3 cups shredded vegan cheddar
• 20 small corn tortillas
• Salsa, vegan sour cream, or other condiments of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm with a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté until brown at the edges, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped pecan pieces, chili powder, and cumin and toast until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and stir until well combined and warmed through.
6. Warm tortillas in the oven until pliable, about 30 seconds.
7. Add a thin line of pecan mixture down one side of the tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
8. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Brush with olive or avocado oil to lightly coat the side facing up and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden at the edges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or condiments of choice.

Nutritionals 

Calories 1047 | Total Fat 69g | Saturated Fat 11.9g | Sodium 1450mg | Total Carbohydrates 95.8g | Dietary Fiber 18g | Total Sugars 10.3g | Protein 20.4g | Calcium 222mg | Iron 5mg | Potassium 713mg |