29 May, 2014
BBQ Lentil Lettuce Wraps with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Inspiration is everywhere! I was in Las Vegas last week and they have quite the food scene. I think that every Food Network star now has a restaurant in Vegas. We went to a hot restaurant with some tasty food. I say hot because they had girls dancing on the bars, but that is Vegas for you. One of the appetizers they served was a BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrap and it was oh so good and I knew right then that I had to make it my way and share it will all of you.
I knew right away that these BBQ Baked Lentils would make the perfect substitute for the BBQ chicken. What a tasty way to use up leftovers!
When I made this one night my meat loving husband just cooked up a bbq chicken breast for his lettuce wraps and we were able to enjoy a lovely meal together. How is that for compromise? Meat lovers and plant lovers can live happily together.
This meal is a great crowd pleaser because you can put out a variety of ingredients and let people build their own. I have also enjoyed it chopped up as a salad as an easier to go lunch. The cilantro viniagrette makes the perfect pairing- just like my husband and I.
My husband and I are not big gamblers. We are the put a dollar into a slot machine and stop after winning $6 kinda people. Las Vegas is a very unique city with unique people that is for sure. You don’t really have to gamble to have a good time. We saw a show, went to a comedy club, ate, drank, and soaked up some sun. So close your eyes while eating these lettuce wraps and pretend like you are in Sin City!
Ingredients
- Boston Lettuce any lettuce leaf would do: romaine, kale, collard greens
- Thinlly shredded red cabbage I used a mandoline for this
- Julienne cut carrots I also used a mandoline for this
- Sliced Almonds
- Diced scallions
- BBQ Baked Lentils warm or cold
- Cilantro Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1 large jalapeno seeded and ribs removed (or leave them if you like it spicy)
- 1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup to keep it vegan
- 1 large garlic clove peeled
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
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Add all of the dressing ingredients into a blender and mix until vegetables are chopped and well combined.
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In one lettuce leaf add 2 tbsp lentils, top with red cabbage, carrots, almonds, scallions, and vinaigrette.
Recipe Notes
*Choose organic ingredients when possible.