LETTUCE WRAPS ( with a short video)

Navarathri, special for all Devis starts today. For all Navarathri neivedhyams click here

Some of the health benefits of lettuce include lowering cholesterol levels, cancer control, protection of neurons, sleep induction, anxiety control, lowering inflammation, and providing a supply of antioxidants.
Lettuce is low in saturated fat and sodium and is also a good source of Riboflavin, many vitamins and calcium.
I have always had this in a restaurant called P.F.Changs, here in USA, and my daughter made this even better!!!
And.....what is the lettuce wrap filled with??? with tofu, which is gluten free, low calorie, contains no cholesterol, superb source of protein, iron and calcium. 
then...something interesting is also there...waterchestnuts...called Singhara in north india (colloquially known as singhada) , which are also low in calories and high in nutrients,  is an excellent coolant for the body, and is generally eaten during Vrat days(fasting). Singhada is used during Navarathri especially in the northern parts of India.

Lettuce Wraps by Malpats Kitchen
Ingredients

Romaine lettuce - 1, leaves separated (which will resemble cups)

Tofu - 2 packets, crumbled

Waterchestnuts - 1 cup

Spring onions - 1 bunch, finely chopped

Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsps

Red chilli flakes - 1 1/2 tsps

salt to taste

To be mixed into a sauce

Soy sauce - 1/2 cup

Rice vinegar (or any vinegar) - 1/2 cup

Hoisin sauce - 1/2 cup

Recipe cuisine: International/ chinese; Category: Lunch/dinner

Prep time: 20 mts; Cooking time: 15 mts

Yields roughly 20 wraps

Wash, wipe and keep the lettuce leaves ready

the sauce, comprising of the 3 ingredients above mentioned, mixed and kept

the crumbled tofu first sauteed on high flames in a non stick pan, so that all the water in the tofu will go off

the crumbled tofu has to become slightly brown like this, after which add waterchestnuts, spring onions and ginger-garlic paste. Mushrooms are optional.

now add the chilli flakes

and now, the sauce which is mixed and kept ready

and mix well. The filling is ready now.

fill them inside the lettuce cups, and enjoy the Lettuce wraps, not missing the goodness of lettuce, waterchestnuts and tofu. Such a healthy, and nutrition enriched starter!!!

This post first appeared in www.malpatskitchen.com

Notes

* If you do not like tofu, or if you are allergic to tofu, try crumbled paneer.

* This makes a great appetizer, so healthy, when compared to the so many other deep fried snacks.

*Mushrooms give a great texture to these wraps and make a great addition. 

Categories: Family contributions, Healthy Cooking, International cuisine, Starters