This Lentil Tostada Mix-in-a-Jar (with adorable Christmas cactus gift tags!) is an easy homemade Christmas gift, and it makes a quick and delicious meal for the busy holiday season!

One of my favorite things to give during the holidays is a quick and easy meal! During the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, a healthy protein-packed meal-in-minutes is always well received and appreciated. This lentil tostada mix-in-a-jar recipe can be whipped up in about 15 minutes, and it only uses a few basic ingredients!

Lentils are one of my favorite pantry staples because they’re nutritious, filling, low-fat, and loaded with protein, fiber, and iron (seriously, lentils pack as much protein as an equivalent portion of steak with only 1/10 of the fat!). Dry lentils store extremely well and will keep for a full year when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. We always have them on-hand!

Lentils are also really quick and easy to cook. Simply rinse the lentils, add water, bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat, and simmer until they are tender (5-7 minutes for split lentils or 15-20 minutes for whole lentils). Easy peasy!

(Note: always be sure to season with salt after cooking. If salt is added during the cooking process, the lentils will become tough.)

To cook the lentil tostada mix-in-a-jar, just toss all of the ingredients from the jar into a pot with 3 cups of water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed.

To build the tostada, simply layer a corn tortilla or crispy tostada shell with lettuce, lentil mix, salsa, and cheese. SO yummy and filling!

Lentil Tostada Mix-in-a-Jar + Christmas Cactus Gift Tags

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup Whole Green Lentils
1/3 cup Dried Onions
2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Paprika
1 Tbsp. Cumin
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional
1/2-1 tsp. Salt set aside for after cooking

Instructions

Mix together all spices and seasonings except salt.
Layer the seasoning mix on the bottom of a mason jar.
Top the seasoning mix with the green lentils.
Top the lentils with dried onions.

To Cook:

Pour the ingredients of the jar into a medium sized saucepan with 3 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir to mix.
Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Add salt to taste.

To Make Tostadas:

Layer a tostada shell with lettuce, seasoned lentil mix, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese.

This lentil tostada mix-in-a-jar makes a great holiday gift idea! Give it on its own or as part of a larger gift basket including tostada shells and a jar of your favorite salsa. All the recipient needs to add is lettuce and cheese – so easy!

I couldn’t resist making a fun Southwestern-inspired gift tag to go along with our south-of-the-border fare, so I whipped up these adorable Christmas cactus gift tags!