Fajitas are a delicious, vibrant, and nutrient-packed dish combining fresh vegetables and warming spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. This plant-based version features colourful capsicums, mushrooms, red onions, garlic, and lime, all seasoned with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli powder. Topped with fresh coriander, this dish delivers on taste and provides various health benefits thanks to the carefully selected ingredients. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed in tortillas, tacos, wraps, salads, or as a standalone dish.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients:

1. Capsicums (Bell Peppers): Brightly coloured capsicums, such as red, yellow, and green peppers, are rich in vitamins A and C. These antioxidants help boost immunity, promote healthy skin, and protect cells from oxidative damage. They’re also packed with dietary fibre to support digestion.
2. Mushrooms: Portobello or button mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based protein and contain essential nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants. They can help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and support metabolic health.
3. Red Onions: Red onions are loaded with potent compounds, including quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They are also high in prebiotic fibre, which supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria in the microbiome.
4. Garlic: Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to promote heart health. The compound allicin, found in garlic, has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and fight infections.
5. Chilli Powder: Chili powder adds a flavorful kick to the dish while offering health benefits. Capsaicin, the active compound in chilli peppers, has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce pain, and improve circulation.
6. Cumin Powder: Cumin is a warming spice with a rich history in traditional medicine. It is known for its digestive benefits, as it stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and helps with nutrient absorption. It’s also a good source of iron, which supports healthy oxygen transport in the blood.
7. Smoked Paprika: Paprika adds a mild smokiness to the dish and contains antioxidants like carotenoids that support eye health and protect against free radical damage.
8. Lime: Lime juice provides a zesty flavour while being rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, supports collagen production, and protects against cell damage. The acidity of lime also enhances the flavour of the vegetables and aids in digestion.
9. Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): Coriander is a nutrient-rich herb that adds freshness and flavour to fajitas. It contains vitamins A, C, and K and antioxidants that can help detoxify the body and reduce inflammation.

Why It’s Healthy:

This plant-based fajita dish contains fibre, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the body, promote digestion, and support a healthy immune system. It incorporates no refined ingredients, focusing solely on whole, plant-based foods and spices to provide a nutrient-rich meal with minimal calories. The natural sweetness of the capsicums and onions, combined with the earthy flavours of mushrooms and the zest of lime, creates a satisfying and energising flavour profile without the need for heavy additives or unhealthy fats.

Versatility:

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served in tortillas as traditional fajitas, loaded into tacos, added to rice bowls, or enjoyed as a low-carb, veggie-packed meal. The recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to add your favourite plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or beans for an extra boost.

These fajitas are perfect for those looking for a quick, nutritious, and bursting-with-flavour meal. The combination of fresh, colourful ingredients and bold spices makes this dish a feast for the senses and a powerhouse of nutrients!

Fajita

Catherine Barclay

A vibrant and flavorful dish bursting with the smoky, zesty taste of fajita spices. Perfectly cooked capsicums, mushrooms, and red onion are infused with garlic, lime, and fresh coriander, making it a versatile addition to tortillas, tacos, or any plant-based meal.

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 capsicums (bell peppers) different colours, sliced into strips
• 3 portobello mushroom or 8-10 button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red onion sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ lime
• handful of fresh coriander, chopped. (Approx 1/4 cup once chopped)

Instructions

 

• To season, toss the sliced capsicum, onions, mushrooms and minced garlic in the spice mix (excluding coriander)
• Heat a non-stick pan or grill on high
• Add seasoned vegetables to a hot pan or grill and allow to dry-fry for three minutes before tossing. (Add a dash of liquid vege stock if needed, however too much liquid will prevent the charring of vegetables)
• Cook until a slight charring appears on the onion and capsicum to get that fajita-style chargrilled flavour
• .Remove from heat. Toss through chopped corriander and squeeze over half a lime.
• Give it a try and adjust the spice mix to your tasting. Smoked Chipotle powder also adds a great fajita flavour, or you can choose your favourite taco or fajita pre-mix seasoning for a quick alternative.

Keyword fajita, plant-based, vegan, wfpb

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