Saturday, December 18, 2021

Asian Vegan Lettuce Wraps

Have you ever made lettuce wraps? 
Skip the bread and bring out the romaine in this simple appetizer.


Lettuce wraps are a perfect choice for anyone who is vegan, gluten-free, or just wants to cut back on carbs. During the holidays, it makes for some lighter and healthier eating.

The smaller leaves of romaine lettuce provide the perfect base for a delicious filling. You simply use a leaf of romaine lettuce and add some filling of your choice.

Rice, Lentils, Popcorn, Vase, Food

I made an Asian style filling using red lentils, ginger, garlic, spices, and vegetables. The filling holds together well and provides an easy to eat finger food for any gathering. You could use any filling-even some store bought hummus.

Food, Background, Kitchen, Bio

Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos once I assembled wraps. Everyone ate them so fast, I only got one shot of the leftovers wraps and one shot of the filling.

red lentil lettuce wrap filling


I use the smaller heads of romaine which they sell at Costco called, Artisan Romaine. It comes in a bag of 5 tightly packed little mini heads of lettuce and are sturdy, dark green, and tasty.   

Vegetable, Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce

This is an easy 2 step process. Make the filling and stuff the leaves.

Ingredients To Cook The Lentils 
1 cup of red lentils, washed well
2 cups of water (or to just cover the lentils) 
2 cloves of garlic chopped
1 tablespoon of grated ginger
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Cracked black pepper and salt 

Directions To Cook The Lentils
Place the washed lentils in a sauce pan. Add the garlic, ginger, ginger powder, black pepper, and salt. Add the water and cook on low for about 10 minutes ( do not stir or allow to become mushy). After 10 minutes remove from heat and cover with a lid. Allow to sit for 5 minutes covered and then remove lid and set aside. 

Stir Fry To Mix Into The Lentils
1 cup of finely diced onions
1 cup of finely diced red or yellow peppers
1 tablespoon of grated ginger
1/4 cup of vegetable broth 
1/2 cup of diced scallion 

Directions: 
Heat a skillet on a medium heat and add onions, peppers, ginger and stir fry dry for a minute or two dry. Slowly add the vegetable broth and continue to stir fry until vegetables are soft and set aside. 

Gently add the cooked lentil with the stir fry. Add the scallions and prepare to add to the romaine lettuce leaves.


Notes: 
1. This past year, all my recipes have been vegan and oil-free (as opposed to some earlier recipes that used dairy)
2. My recipes have always been gluten-free

18 comments:

  1. I love to make wraps with romaine, how smart to find the smaller Artisan romaine with smaller leaves. My favorite filling is blue cheese, walnut, bacon and cranberry with a little honey to hold it together. Lentils is a wonderful healthy option, sounds great!
    Jenna

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  2. Lettuce wraps are such a smart choice. It's a great thing to remember when you have a mixed crowd for dinner for a traditional cookout.

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  3. Aren't lettuce wraps wonderful ...

    All the best Jan

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  4. Our lentils get mushy. We hope to rectify that!

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  5. I've had lettuce wraps in homes and in restaurants, and with fillings of all types, including South Asian, Middle Eastern, and nondescript dip-type fillings. ALL GOOD!!! You are really onto something.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  6. What a great idea. Pinned this to my healthy snacking board and will try your recipe for sure.

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  7. What a delicious and healthy idea!....a great combination!!........Abrazotes, Marcela

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  8. We love this in our home. Great idea to use lentils for the filling.

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  9. What a tasty appetizer! If they were all gone before you could take a pic, then I think that's the sign of success. :)

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  10. Looks amazing, love that lentil filling....

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  11. funny that we call this lettuce Cos in australia, rather than romaine. they must have been tasty wraps. have a great christmas.

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  12. I've used lettuce for bread when making sandwiches for years. Tastes good too!

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  13. I have tried lettuce wraps but with a different filling. Gotta try this!

    Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  14. Merry Christmas!....all the best for you and your family in 2022 and after!!.........Abrazotes, Marcela

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  15. These lettuce wraps look delicious Judee! I am such a fan of lentils. Love what you’ve done with them here, yum!

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