You can make the veggie filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Simply reheat 1 1/2 hours before filling the tacos.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 tacos

　　

Vegetable Filling:

1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

　　1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

　　6 tablespoons olive oil

　　3/4 cup diced onion

　　2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

　　1 cup diced red bell pepper

　　1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes

　　3/4 pound plum tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

　　1 tablespoon chili powder

　　1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

　　Salt and pepper, to taste

　　1/4 cup chopped parsley

　　1/2 cup canned dark-red kidney beans, drained

　　1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained

　　

For the tacos:

8 hard corn taco shells

　　2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce

　　1 cup diced red onion

　　4 ripe plum tomatoes, diced

　　8 ounces sour cream

　　8 ounces grated Cheddar cheese

　　

Step 1

1. Place the eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Let stand for 1 hour. Pat dry with paper towels. Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté until almost tender, adding more oil if necessary. Remove to a casserole.

　　

Step 2

2. Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet over low heat; wilt the onion, garlic and red pepper for 10 minutes, then add to the casserole. Place casserole over low heat and add the ingredients up through the parsley. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes.

　　

Step 3

3. Stir in the kidney beans and chickpeas; cook for 15 minutes. The skin of the eggplant should be tender. Adjust seasonings.

　　

Step 4

4. Prepare the tacos: Place 1/4 cup of the cooked veggies in each taco shell. Top with some shredded lettuce and 1 tablespoon each of the onion and tomatoes. Dollop with sour cream and sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.

　　

Nutrition Per Serving

Per taco: 420 calories

　　29g carbohydrate

　　13g protein

　　29g fat

　　45mg cholesterol

　　#### Nutritional analysis provided by Other