Roasted Tomatillo Tacos with Black Beans

One way to cut down on meat is to substitute it with juicy beans! Beans are not just a meat substitute, but they beat it on nutritional characteristics. Beans are rich in protein and fiber while meat contains no fiber at all. They are perfect for those who are trying to lose weight. Even though they have about the same calories per serving with meat, they have significantly more fiber and water, which help you to feel full. They also keep you full and satisfied longer than meat, once again, due to the high fiber content.

There is nothing better than a sauce or salsa made with roasted tomatillos. I make it by roasting tomatillos in the oven, and processing them with garlic, cilantro, and jalapenos. So easy but so good. You can pour it over your favorite Mexican dish or serve it with chips. The roasted tomatillo sauce make these tacos absolutely delicious.

Serves 4

• 1 1/2 lb fresh tomatillos, husks removed, halved
• 1 large red onion, roughly chopped
• 2 large bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup cilantro, chopped 
• 5 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded, finely chopped
• juice of 1 lime
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 avocados, sliced
• lime and fresh cilantro for garnish

1. Preheat oven to broil on high. Grease 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Place halved tomatillos cut side down on one of the baking sheets. Place red onions and bell peppers on the other one. Broil for 10-14 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Stir them once. 

2. In a food processor pulse tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno peppers until they form a salsa-like mixture, about 10 seconds. Add lime juice and season to taste. Keep warm. 

3. Combine 1/2 cup tomatillo sauce with peppers, onion, black beans and corn. Keep warm. Microwave to heat slightly if they cool down. 

4. Warm tortillas by placing them in a skillet and cooking them for 30 seconds on each side. 

5. Assemble tacos. Fill them with the bean mixture. Top them with avocado slices, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Enjoy!