Colorful, Tasty Tucson Tacos

I love spicy foods of the southwest. Each time I make any south of the border inspired dish including Colorful Tasty Tucson Tacos, it makes me smile.  

Post Updated 04/25/2026

My feature today is a brightly colored taco dish that melds together the vegan flavors of beans, brown rice, veggies, herbs, and spices in a convenient corn package.

Taco parties are great fun. Why not make one for Cinco De Mayo? It's a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). 

Although it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, here in the United States, May 5th festivities often include events that showcase Mexican culture and heritage with parades, mariachi music, street festivals, and food. 

Nancy Andres' Colorful, Tasty Tucson Tacos

My family and I like spicy foods and this vegan, gluten free recipe knows what I'm talking about. 

Its bold taste and eye appeal comes from cayenne and jalapeño pepper, carrots, zucchini, kidney beans, brown rice, and salsa. 

Orange, green, red, brown, golden yellow, and purple clue you in to a rainbow of health benefits. Its vibrant taste is a sensation to behold.

We love jalapeño peppers

A Meal That's Simple and Economical to Assemble

From 12 o'clock going clockwise-salsa, cabbage, zucchini, red onion, kidney beans, shredded carrot, center nutritional yeast

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can kidney or other protein-rich bean or 1/2 cups dried beans (when cooked, beans expand and make approximately 1 1/2 cup cooked beans)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/2 jalapeño pepper (use gloves to remove seeds and mince fine)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup organic brown rice (cooked in 2 cups vegetable broth, to make it golden and add extra flavor)

Divide and Stuff Taco Shells (usually comes 12 to a pack) with:

2 shredded organic carrots 
1 shredded organic zucchini 
1 cup shredded organic green or red cabbage 
1 medium organic red onion chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro for an extra kick
4 Tablespoons B-12 enriched Nutritional Yeast
salt and pepper to taste

What to do:

1. If you choose to use home cooked beans (about half the price of the same amount of canned ones), start this recipe the night before you want to eat them. 

Pick over and rinse beans to remove dirt and other extraneous matter. Soak beans overnight in enough water to cover and allow for at least 2 inches of extra water above the bean level. Leave pot on stove covered.

2. The next day, spill out bean soaking water, and rinse well. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 1 1/2 cups soaked beans in a Dutch oven, stainless steel pot, or roasting pan that has a tight lid. 

Add enough fresh water to cover beans completely. Then add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 jalapeño pepper (use gloves to remove seeds and mince fine), 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 4 Tablespoons nutritional yeast, and fresh chopped cilantro. Stir. Cover and put pot in the oven. 

Cook for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes or longer. Cooking time is influenced by how fresh the beans are, your altitude, and whether your oven temperature is accurate. Cooking beans in the oven is the method I prefer. 

Beans that are cooked in the oven don't need frequent stirring like those you cook on the range. Check beans at 45 minute intervals. After 1 1/2 hours, if a fork can't pierce and cut a bean easily, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes from then on. Tip: to speed up cooking process, add 1 teaspoon baking powder to beans after 1 hour of cooking.

While beans bake, cook organic brown rice according to package directions, just use vegetable broth in the recipe instead of water. 

Organic Brown Rice Cooked in Vegetable Broth 

Note: If you’re using canned beans combine 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 jalapeño pepper (use gloves to remove seeds and mince fine), 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 4 Tablespoons nutritional yeast, and ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro with the beans. Then proceed to step 3.

3. Shred carrots, zucchini, and cabbage (use red or green cabbage) in the food processor. Then, change the blade, and chop onion. Put each in its own dish.

4. When beans and rice are cooked, combine.

5. Warm hard taco shells in a preheated 350 F degree oven for no more than 5 minutes. 

6. Assemble tacos so they look like the picture at the top of this blog. If you're using soft corn tortillas like the 2 pictures below (the ones I used are made from fresh organic sprouted corn), put them on a baking sheet and pile on the fixings. Heat until thoroughly heated (about 10 minutes in a preheated 350 F degree oven). 

7. Either way, don't forget  to top with avocado, guacamole, and salsa. Find a recipe

for guacamole here and one for salsa below.

Serving Tip: Use 2 hard taco shells or 1 lg. or 2 sm. fresh corn tortilla per person. Leftover veggies, beans, and rice are good to add to a salad.

soft kidney bean tacos, carrots, zucchini, red onion, salsa, and brown rice on the side

soft tacos may curl up as they cook

Nancy Andres' Freshly Made Tomato Salsa

Homemade tomato salsa makes a delightful topping for tacos, and here's how to mix it up!

Ingredients:

4 large vine ripened organic tomatoes (approx. 4 cups tomatoes)
1 teaspoon organic tomato paste and 1 teaspoon water to blend
2 Tablespoons lime or lemon juice
1 medium onion 

1/2 jalapeño pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 cup fresh parsley or cilantro 
2 cloves garlic

What to do: 

1. Put jalapeño, red pepper flakes, and parsley or cilantro in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to a fine consistency. Add other ingredients with the exception of the garlic. Pulse until the salsa is liquid-y, yet small chunks of onion and tomato are still visible. 

2. Add garlic and pulse for 10 seconds more. This preparation method prevents garlic from becoming overpowering, as the smaller the pieces of garlic the more intense the flavor. 

3. Set aside the fresh salsa and allow the elements in it to meld together for at least 15 minutes before serving. There you have it. 

Freshly made tomato salsa is so special. Refrigerate when not serving. Lasts for approx. five days refrigerated.

Nancy Andres' Colorful Tucson Tacos, Tomato Salsa, Guacamole Side, and Massaged Kale Salad

Tucson tacos are simple to prepare, and ideal to serve to any woman you care about on Mother's Day. For other Mother's Day recipes see Tasty and Easy Mother's Day Vegan Brunch Recipe Ideas. 

Moms come in many shapes and sizes, and some can't celebrate with their family on this day. Others haven't birthed children and/or are step moms. 

Show your appreciation to that best friend, neighbor, or teacher who held your hand when you grieved the loss of your dog. 

Perhaps you'll reach out to that aunt or sister who hears you, whenever you need to vent your feelings. 

How about serving this festive dish to a woman who was there for you, when you cried your eyes out over the breakup of a long term relationship? 

Is there a special woman at your business who cheers you on and is happy for your success? Celebrate her.

Most women are natural nurturers and Mother's Day is an opportune time to salute those you feel blessed to know. 

Tacos are tasty additions for any eating plan. No need to wait for a special occasion to serve them. When you're entertaining, serve Tacos on a taco bar. 

Assemble bowls of guacamole, salsa, refried beans, chili peppers, garbanzo beans, pumpkin seeds, shredded daikon, shredded jicama, marinated red peppers, olives, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and chopped nuts. It's a fun way for family and friends to participate in food preparation. 

Before you go, please take a moment to comment, ask questions, and share your favorite taco or salsa recipes and/or Mother's Day memory. No links in your comment please, as it won't be published.

Thanks for reading this post at Colors 4 Health. If you enjoyed the information and ideas I provided, add my blog to your online reading list at www.colors4health.com. 

Share the love by commenting below. 

Do you eat tacos often? Please explain.

What ingredients do you like to put in your tacos? Please share that too. 

I read and appreciate every comment, but if you put links in your comments, I won't be able to publish them that way. Thanks for understanding.

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Spring Colors Delight and Entice

Tucson is bursting with bright wildflowers, and that reminds me of sun, fun, and the sweetness and joy of springtime. See the gorgeous flowers in this post? Rain has helped create them, and that makes me so happy!

Post Updated 3/20/2026

Look below at the vibrant yellow blossoms. See the Palo Verde Tree that I spotted in my neighborhood. Aren't the blossoms spectacular? 

I adore colorful spring bouquets, especially those that include daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. 

Close your eyes, and envision the delightful sunshine yellow, dusty pink, and delicate rose of springtime blooms and imagine the aroma of sweet flower scents floating into the air. 

When I think of spring, I think of my childhood family garden. In spring, the purple and lavender hydrangeas would beckon to me with their eye-catching colors. What’s your favorite springtime flower and why do you think you appreciate it so much? Do you associate memories and colors to spring?

Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons. By Easter time, women have replaced dark winter hued clothes with spring tones of pale green, soft pink, baby blue, lavender, peach, and creamy yellow. Many men have gotten with the "spring" color program too. They find these shades joyful, soothing, and nurturing as well. 

I like to wear pastel colors interspersed with deeper shades throughout the year, because of their soothing effect on me. What special color or colors do you like to don in the spring? Do you have a new spring dress, shirt, pair of shoes, or hat? Please comment below.

This spring take advantage of milder temps to participate in springtime activities with your family, friends, or by yourself. 

Go on a picnic, plant a home garden, and enjoy fresh spring colors. These activities are free, fun, and relaxing. In fact, think of warmer weather as an invitation to drink that morning cup of Joe outdoors. 

Think about your favorite springtime color.

Recall a spring color memory that you cherish. Envision it now.

Which spring flower is a fav?

What spring color refreshes you and why do you think that’s so?

     Before you go, please take a moment to post a comment in the space provided.

I appreciate every comment, but will not be able to publish it if it contains any links.

Thanks for understanding.

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March, Relax with Aquamarine and Aqua

Aquamarine and aqua are the calming colors I'll explore during March. Green-blue colors promote a smooth flow of communication and are easy on the eyes. These shades reflect the colors in water and sky, and is a color family that creates a sense of expansiveness and tranquility.

Post updated 9/12/21

Please Note: Aquamarine is the name given to the gemstone and aqua is most often used to describe clothing, décor, or a paint color. Paint colors can vary, depending on which paint company you consult. See the photo above and get back to me about how many shades of blue-green you see in the water. I just love the first shade closest to the sea foam.

Put aqua in your life, if your thoughts are jumbled. Its color energy helps clarify perceptions as well as clear confusion in thoughts and speech. Wear an aqua cap or shirt and breeze through your work. Paint a wall with an aqua hue and notice if you feel more serene.

Don an aqua scarf or tie to help center your body and spirit. Use it when you feel you're in a rut, or find yourself judging the actions of others. Reflect on aqua to help restore your equilibrium and balance. 

To reduce stress, visualize yourself being bathed by the warm, healing waters one finds in the Bahamas or Caribbean. Sailors have used aqua and aquamarine as a good luck charms. Old mariners' tales confirm these colors assure safe travel on water.

Water is the Feng Shui element associated with blues like aqua. Items including a water fountain, aqua vase, or an aqua blue accent pillow can be placed in a room to express the water element. 

Then observe if the activities conducted in that room flow more freely. In Feng Shui, aqua is the color of the throat chakra, and symbol of fluid communication. 

Read more about the water element at How-To-Use-Color-for-Good-Feng-Shui.

Aquamarine is the modern birthstone of March, and in geological terms, is one of the members of the beryl group of minerals. Gemstones made of aquamarine can range from the palest see-through blue to a darker shade of light blue. Aquamarines are prized for their clarity and transparency. When made into jewelry, they are treasured as decorative necklaces, bracelets, and rings. See more about this lovely gem at Gemselect.com.

For additional blue color energy ideas see Tips to Help You Use Cool Spring and Summer Colors to Relax.

 

Include a touch more aquamarine and aqua into your life during March. Notice the results. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:

1. How does aquamarine and aqua make you feel? 

2. What pops into your head when you see these shades of blue-green? 

3. What memories, people, or things do you associate with this March color? 

I sure would like to hear about it (respond below this post in the space provided). Please no links in comment, as it won't be published that way.

If you like what you see, please visit my Website for additional healthy lifestyle tips. Discover how my writing services can help you and your company thrive. 

I appreciate the support. 

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This post is intended for education and entertainment only. It is not intended as medical advice. If you have a health concern, consult your health care provider.

Use Red to Improve Well-being

Photo Credit/Go Red for Women

In honor of American Heart Month (February) and National Wear Red Day on Friday Feb. 3, 2023 I’ve selected red as my featured color for February. 

This post has been updated 1/17/2023

February is a fabulous month to celebrate red, the color of heart health, passion, excitement, enthusiasm, love, fire, and Valentine's Day.

Heart Month officially started in the 1960’s when our president at the time, Lyndon Baines Johnson, designated February in this special way. 

The Centers for Disease Control advises that high blood pressure is a major contributor to heart attacks. Read Facts about High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease and Ways to Reduce Sodium Intake.

Red is a symbol of a healthy heart. “As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels, called the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic, muscular tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. 

In addition to carrying fresh oxygen from the lungs and nutrients to the body's tissues, it also takes the body's waste products, including carbon dioxide away from the tissues. This is necessary to sustain life and promote the health of all parts of the body.” See more from WebMD.

Red is a lively color for exercise attire and is a perfect accent color in your exercise room. Red can speed up metabolism and energize you. Participate in some form of aerobic exercise a minimum of 30 minutes on most days for good heart health. Red can also increase appetite. 

Unless you need to gain weight, don't get an industrial stove in red or display red accent pieces in the kitchen or dining room, as seeing red in these areas can stimulate overeating.

Red reminds you to amp-up healthful eating practices. Read books, blogs, and surf the Web for info about heart health.

One example of that comes from Michael Greger M.D. His website documents research to show why a plant based diet, free of cholesterol and saturated animal fats is helpful in preventing and treating Heart Disease. 

Talk to your health care providers to learn new ways to reduce or eliminate saturated and trans-fats. Take a nutrition course to investigate why it's so important to eat more fruits, veggies, and unprocessed plant based food. 

Meal planning that includes portion control, yet includes a variety of colorful organic fruits and vegetables is important on any eating plan. When you eat organic products and those labeled Non GMO Project Verified you avoid eating genetically modified food that can cause food allergies, digestion problems, weight gain, and other serious conditions.

Experts suggest a possible link between long term stress and heart health. Get career, psychological, or financial counseling, when you are troubled by these or any other lifestyle issues.

Meditation, prayer, and other self-care practices including yoga, journal writing, and reaching out for emotional support from others helps counteract the negative effects of stress. Read How Stress can Wreak Havoc on Your Body.

The color red can signal danger, so use it to help you envision that salt shaker wrapped in a warning sign cloak of red. Reduce salt intake to manage high blood pressure. Reduce red meat consumption, because it usually contains high levels of LDL Cholesterol, and low levels of HDL. 

It makes good health sense and saves money too, when you prevent health issues from becoming serious ones. Nonetheless, it's never too late to improve health by quitting smoking or drug use, curtailing alcohol consumption, and seeking professional help when the efforts you have used to stop aren't effective. 

Now down to basics. Here's the American Heart Association Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. 

Red is a call to action color. Discover how many ways red can motivate and support you as you leap forward with passion and heart-felt enthusiasm to take care of your health and heart by thinking RED.

Before you go, take a moment to post a comment below to express your thoughts or feelings about colors and/or heart health. Please don't put links in your comment as it can't be published that way.

Join in the fun by spreading the word about my new blog. 

Get support and encouragement about living healthier by visiting www.colors4health.com often It's the place where colors and a healthy lifestyle intersect. 

This post was offered for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider before making and lifestyle changes. 

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