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Low Fat Taco Salad with Avocado and Tomato Salsa

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Ingredients
  

For the Seasoning Mix:

  • 2 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dry oregano
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes, or more for a spicier seasoning

For the Seasoned Beef:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1-pound extra lean ground beef or chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp. molasses
  • Seasoning from above, minus 1 teaspoon

For the Salad Bowls:

  • 4 whole wheat 7-inch tortillas
  • Olive oil

For the Salsa:

  • 2 small tomatoes
  • 1 small red pepper
  • 1 avocado
  • Finely grated zest of one lime
  • Juice of one lime
  • ½ small red onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp. reserved seasoning

For Assembly and Serving:

  • Romaine lettuce, shredded
  • Low fat cheddar cheese, grated
  • Low fat sour cream, optional
  • Red kidney beans, drained, optional

Instructions
 

To prepare the seasoning mix:

  • In a small bowl, combine all of the seasoning ingredients; mix well.
  • In a large skillet, heat the 2 tbsp. olive oil.
  • Add and brown the ground beef with the garlic, salt and pepper.
  • When the beef is browned, add the tomato paste, molasses and seasoning mix, minus 1 tsp.

To prepare the salsa:

  • Coarsely chop the tomatoes, peppers, onions and avocado.
  • Toss with the rest of the salsa ingredients and the reserved seasoning.

To prepare the taco bowls (see note):

  • Pre-heat the oven to 300°F.
  • Very lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with olive oil and fit into small oven safe bowls.
  • Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until crisp; remove from oven; set aside.
  • Fill the crispy tortilla bowl with shredded romaine lettuce.
  • Top with the seasoned ground beef.
  • Top the beef with low fat shredded cheddar cheese and the salsa.
  • Top with a little sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Cooked red kidney beans make a nice addition to this salad too, if you prefer.

Notes

As an alternative to making the taco bowls, as outlined in this recipe, try the method described in www.completecomfortfoods.com which can be found by clicking on the link below:
https://completecomfortfoods.com/how-to-make-tortilla-bowls/