appetizer

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

While I was making this dish I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. I just kept adding a little of this & a little of that, but the end result was too delicious not to share! These lettuce wraps are so fresh, crisp and savory. Take this dish to the next level by making my sweet umami sauce to drizzle on top or dip right on in. Seriously, so good! 

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For the filling:

1 green onion- chopped (feel free to add more)

1-2 Tbsp olive oil 

1/4 cup fresh cilantro- chopped

1 cup mushrooms- chopped fairly small

1 can garbanzo beans- drained (no need to rinse)

1/2 cup frozen peas 

2 cups cooked green lentils 

1 cup frozen cauliflower rice 

1/4-1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce 

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

2 tsp sesame oil 

2 tsp rice vinegar 

1 pinch of red pepper flake

salt & pepper to taste 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in green onions & cilantro and sauté until fragrant & softened, approx 1 minute. Toss in mushrooms and sauté until tender. Next, add in the remaining ingredients: garbanzo beans, frozen peas, cooked lentils, frozen cauliflower rice, soy sauce, spices, etc.  Sauté for several minutes until all veggies are tender yet still have a little crispness to them. Turn heat to medium-low and let simmer, stirring occasionally and adjusting seasoning to your liking. 

Sweet Umami Sauce (pure deliciousness) 

1/4 cup soy sauce 

2 Tbsp sesame oil 

2 Tbsp rice vinegar 

1/2 tsp fresh or ground ginger

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2 Tbsp seedless blackberry jam or any jam you have at home

In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together. So simple yet so complex. This is also the perfect dipping sauce for sushi! 

To assemble: 

1 head of crips romaine lettuce

Wash, dry and separate the lettuce. Fill the lettuce with the filling & top with sweet umami sauce! YUM!

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