Go-to meal #1---Black Bean Tacos with Homemade Guacamole

So the only way I can conceivably cook healthy meals 4-5 times a week is by having a couple go-to meals that I rotate in and out of my weekly menu. They are all favorites of the crew, affordable, and healthy.

Go-to meal #1 is Black Bean Tacos with Homemade Guacamole and is a permanent menu item, and is usually served on Mondays. The first day back to work after the weekend can be such a downer, the last thing I want to do is come home and cook something complicated...if it fails it just seems more devastating than any other day of the week. I like this recipe because its impossible to mess up, its cheap, and insanely affordable. It also gives me the excuse to make guacamole once a week, and I can't help but think about how great it is to live in Southern California. If you aren't as lucky you can omit, or just buy one avocado and mash it up with some lime!

You may find the greek yogurt to be a bit expensive, for yogurt.  However you should view the greek yogurt as a main portion of this meals protein, so view its price in comparison to ground beef or turkey instead.  That makes it a justifiable purchase for me.

Black Bean Tacos with Homemade Guacamole

Guacamole:

• 3 medium avocados
• 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, finley diced (seeds removed for milder taste)
• 2 tbs chopped cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 lime
• Kosher salt (to taste)

1. Half each avocado and remove pit.  Hold the round portion in your palm with the top facing towards your body, slice down vertically with a knife from left to right.  Then horizontally top to bottom.  Remove avocado from skin with a spoon.
2. Squeeze the juice from one lime and add a liberal amount of kosher salt.
3. Using a potato masher, mash the avocado to desired texture.  I like to see the avocado still, but some people prefer it mashed completely.
4. Combine remaining ingredients. 
5. Cover with plastic wrap (push the plastic down to physically touch the guacamole to keep it looking green).
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 1 day (2 days if you don't mind it not looking as vibrant!)

Tacos:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
• 3/4 cups water
• Store bought taco shells
• Greek Yogurt (you won't miss the sour cream)
• Salsa
• Batch of guacamole
• Mexican Blend Cheese
• Sriracha (if you like spicy)

1. Combine black beans, taco seasoning packet and water in small saucepan and bring to light boil. The taco seasoning has flour in it, so if you cook it for a little while it will start to thicken up. Cook for about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat about 5 minutes and the bean and sauce will thicken.
2. Pop your store bought taco shells in the microwave for about 45 seconds
3. Build your tacos!

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