Nuts in your Taco

Is it wrong to secretly feed my carnivorous friends vegan food?

(Image taken by author, Jen Duff)

I made burrito bowls for a group of friends last night. They stopped in around dinnertime and it was a quick meal to share. Most of the ingredients were easily recognized: lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, bell peppers, corn, pineapple, lime, cilantro, Spanish rice, and jicama. I had a few jars of salsa available as well.

While the ingredients, bowls and silverware were being organized, I grabbed a few ingredients from my pantry and spice cabinet. I combined two cups of raw walnuts with cumin, paprika and garlic powder, two teaspoons of each. I used a mini food processor to chop and combine the ingredients, adding two tablespoons of Bragg Liquid Aminos and pushing the button a few more times.

The result was a bowl of taco ‘meat.’

The question is, do you mention to your friends (no nut allergies) that it’s not actually meat?

What would you do?

I know that if I was served an animal product without being told, I would be upset. Is it also offensive for meat eaters?

I’ve made a big bowl of popcorn with nooch and olive oil, patiently awaiting your comments, defensive or insightful. Let’s hear it!