SwampNut Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 I know...WHAT??? I was surprised to find that they are making a specific effort to cut down sodium and other garbage, and to provide plant based and mostly whole food options. There are a couple. Still high in sodium, but not insane for occasional consumption if you need something fast. The black bean and rice bowl is a fairly decent option. But, this is mostly about making your own. Sure, why would you choose to make Taco Bell? Well sometimes it's just interesting, like gas station nacho cheez. Oddly, though Moriah hates anything spicy or peppery, she likes the TB meat. BUT...she's allergic to beef. So I've been making my own with no sodium added, and Beyond Burger. A little plant based "cheese" plus coconut-based crema and it's fun dumb little meal that is mostly real food. This pairs well with my all-food refried beans that use no lard or salt, but still have a creamy and greasy feel. I'll post that one later. 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon dried onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crushed well 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (just for zing not heat) 1/2 teaspoon white sugar 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules...most brands are just full of salt. If you use unsalted, then add 1/2 tsp of potassium chloride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBLXX Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 If TB had a relatively healthy menu I'd eat there often. That goes for most fast food places. I'm down for healthy FAST FOOD. Not much out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampNut Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share Posted May 19, 2022 This is not 100% perfect, this is a shitload better than most fast food. https://www.tacobell.com/food/specialties/power-menu-bowl-veggie Panera can be pretty good too, and chipotle. The sofritas are damn tasty and pretty damn good nutritionally. You just have to look past the obvious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 56 minutes ago, DBLXX said: If TB had a relatively healthy menu I'd eat there often. That goes for most fast food places. I'm down for healthy FAST FOOD. Not much out there. What's amazing is how one can screw up a simple bean burrito and make it unhealthy. I was floored to see how bad tortillas are for nutrition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampNut Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share Posted May 19, 2022 12 minutes ago, Zero Knievel said: What's amazing is how one can screw up a simple bean burrito and make it unhealthy. Indeed. And I'm not really understanding how it tastes "better" since beans and some light spices is so damn good anyway. I have to think that it's some sort of addiction thing that they have come up with. 12 minutes ago, Zero Knievel said: I was floored to see how bad tortillas are for nutrition. Some. There is a very monstrous variety between brands. Some have a mile long ingredient list full of crap, and some say: INGREDIENTS: Corn The flour ones are never going to be real food, it's right in the name, "flour." But you could do worse. Santa Fe has a mostly whole food tortilla that's very good, and still soft and flexible unlike most "healthy" versions. And of course, a pure corn tortilla is whole real food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBLXX Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 My wife taught me how to make fresh corn tortillas.... nothing better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampNut Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share Posted May 19, 2022 Huh, I should give that a whirl. The same masa can make tamales, and there are several substitutes for the parts that make them garbage, like the oil and salt. And roasted hatch chiles covered in corn...now I'm hungry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBLXX Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 I love them from masa... but you make them from fresh dried corn.... HOT DAMN. And it's fun... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampNut Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share Posted May 19, 2022 I've done the tamales from normal medium ground masa, from fine ground corn flour, and with Hominy that I coarse ground in the food processor. All different and equally good. In Cuba, we don't make "tamales," which are objects, we make "tamal" which is a porridge type thing. Same ingredients, just stewed instead of steamed, and no corn husks. Really, it's just Hispanic Polenta (which is also awesome and easy to make as a whole food). Something from this list is going into the weekend plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBR-RR-XX-CESS Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 Two big macs a day and still going strong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 On 5/19/2022 at 3:36 PM, CBR-RR-XX-CESS said: Two big macs a day and still going strong Now I'm hungry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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