There are so many varieties of lettuce available these days that it would make your head spin. Rich in vitamin A and K and deficient in calories, it is a low carb alternative that accompanies us in salads around the globe.
Butterhead – Also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce has a sweet flavor and tender texture and is perfect for use as cups to serve your favorite mixture.
This gluten free dish is quick and easy to make and the flavors are amazing. I made some lemon grass paste at home and store it in the fridge for multiple uses. It stays pretty well for a couple of weeks. You can always use the store bought version
I have used organic ground turkey here but you could use ground chicken or any vegan proteins you like.
To get a tangy taste, I have added pickled carrots which are easy to make with rice vinegar, salt and a teaspoon of maple syrup.
Chestnuts have been used for that crunch in every bite.
Lemongrass Lettuce Cups
Ingredients:
For the filling
- 1lb fresh organic ground turkey
- 2-3 green onions ( chopped)
- Fresh Basil – handful chopped
- Fresh mint – handful chopped
- 1 small cucumber – chopped
- 1 can water chestnuts – chopped fine
- 1 cup Pickled carrots
- 2 tablespoon lemon grass paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek.
- 1 cup of toasted cashew pieces
- Olive oil
- 1 head of Butter lettuce – cleaned and leaves removed for serving
Lemongrass paste
Use 2-3 stalks and remove the hard dry stalks first. Then chop up the softer interior. Add 2-3 cloves or garlic, an inch of ginger root, an inch of fresh turmeric (or a tsp of dry) and some sea salt . Blend it in a blender adding water as needed for consistency. Then a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and a final blend. This will store well for 2-3 weeks in the fridge
Carrot pickle
Marinate shredded carrots in a cup of rice vinegar, sea salt and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Pickle is ready in 20 mins but ages well for future uses.
Putting it together:
- Cook the turkey in olive oil breaking up the lumps until brown. Add the lemon grass paste and mix well.
- Continue to cook and add the water chestnuts. Give it about 5 mins and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the cucumbers, green onions, basil, mint, lemon juice and sambal oelek. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked turkey and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture on to the lettuce cups and garnish with pickled carrots and toasted cashews.
Sharing this with Fiesta Friday where the co-hosts this week are Margy @ La Petite Casserole and Suzanne @ apuginthekitchen. Check out their fabulous blogs, you will love them.
Lovely and original dish! Thanks a lot for being at FF!
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Thank you Margherita!
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Absolutely delicious!
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Thanks sumith!
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You are very welcome Zeba:)
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This looks great! I like the pickled carrots and the addition of the chestnuts. I will have to try your recipe for pickled carrots–it is making me hungry just thinking about it!
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Thanks so much Jenny. Carrots were a winner and I have been adding the leftovers salads for
Lunch. Hope you try it!
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These look so tasty! Thanks for the great recipe and inspiration (as always) Zeba! 🙂
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Lili, thank you for your sweet comments and taking the time to go through the recipe. I hope you have a great week 🙂
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