Easy Vegetarian Mexican Soft Tacos

I tend to use the same vegetables to make all my Mexican dishes - tacos, soft tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas. I don't add corn because of diverticulosis, but feel free.  Plenty of fiber, protein, and vitamins in this!

If you don't want to use the seasoning packet in the dinner box, or a separate taco seasoning packet, then you will need:  onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, fresh ground black pepper, and hot Mexican chili powder, in addition to the fresh garlic and jalapeno in the mix.

Ingredients:

Old El Paso Box dinner (or taco shells or soft taco tortillas)
Fresh zucchini, at least a pound, diced
1 large white onion
1/2 a bell pepper (yellow, red, or green, your choice)
1 large or 2 small garlic clove
1 fresh red jalapeno pepper
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can vegetarian refried beans
Toppings/garnishes, according to personal preference:
1 fresh tomato
lettuce, shredded
onion
taco sauce
shredded cheese
sour cream
guacamole

Prep:
Dice zucchini, onions, garlic, jalapenos, put in separate bowls until needed Shred lettuce and cheeseinto separate bowls, drain black beans.  Put refried beans in small saucepan on low.

Heat some light olive oil in a large saute pan on medium high.  When oil shimmers, add zucchini a little bit at a time.  You want to brown at least one side of the zucchini, you are sort of searing it so that it doesn't steam or turn mushy.  When zucchini cooked on one side, add 1/2 the white onion, diced, the garlic, diced or pressed, and the diced red jalapeno.

Cook until onions are soft, adding more olive oil if necessary.

Stir in drained black beans and the spices.  (I always add a little, even if I am using the Old El Paso taco seasoning.)

When bubbling, add the 2/3 cup water and the OEP seasoning.  Lower the heat and continue to cook until the extra water from the veggies evaporates.

Raise heat to medium low under refried beans.

Heat tortillas in between damp paper towels in microwave.

Assemble, and enjoy!  I start by spreading soft tortilla with some refried beans, sprinkle a little cheese and onions, then add the zucchini/bean mixture.  Then top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and taco sauce.

Of course, feel free to add or delete whatever ingredients or toppings you prefer.