Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Craving a light, flavorful meal that's ready in minutes?

These vegetarian lettuce wraps are your answer! Bursting with savory black beans, crushed tomatoes, and a smoky spice blend, this simple recipe will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

[DIRECTIONS]:

What You'll Need

To nail these vegetarian lettuce wraps, I'm gonna walk you through what you'll need, making it super easy! First, grab 800g/28oz of crushed canned tomatoes – yeah, the good stuff! We'll also need 1 tbsp of olive oil.

Next, snag that half of a red onion and chop it up. Don't cry too much, okay? And, get 1 cup of fresh coriander/cilantro!

For spices, I'm talking 1 tbsp each of cumin, oregano, and paprika. And, a teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you're feeling spicy!), and sugar (any will do). Plus, 2 tsp of coriander powder and, naturally, some black pepper!

You'll also need black beans; 425g/14oz, drained and rinsed, remember! And, 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn for a lil' sweetness. Don't forget the lettuce!

Getting Started

Now, let's get this veggie party started – it's gonna be epic! Start by prepping all our ingredients. I like to chop everything before I even turn on the stove – makes life easier, trust me!

First, we'll whip up that fresh enchilada sauce. Grab your blender and toss in the crushed canned tomatoes – about 800g. We'll add 1 tbsp of olive oil, a whole peeled garlic clove, and half a chopped red onion. Don't forget 1 cup of fresh coriander! The sweetness in the enchilada sauce might taste really good with a dash of brown sugar to balance everything out.

Next, toss in those spices – 1 tbsp each of cumin, oregano, and paprika, plus 1 tsp each of salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you're feeling spicy!), and sugar. A dash of black pepper finishes it off – whiz it all together!

Flavor Ideas

Once you have your sauce prepped, let's amp up the veggies with some flavor boosters! I always find that's key. Think beyond just the basic ingredients… it is fun!

Here are some ideas to get you started — trust me, you'll love these:

• Spice it Up: A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick! Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your liking. Don't overdo it or your mouth will be on fire!
• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, mint, or basil will bring a burst of freshness. I suggest about 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs per batch. Remember that fish sauce substitutions can also be explored to deepen the umami flavor.
• Citrus Zest: A little lime or lemon zest brightens everything up – it is a game changer! Use about 1 teaspoon per batch.

I hope you enjoyed these tidbits; now experiment a bit and get creative!

Serving Suggestions

I bet you're wondering how best to enjoy this tasty meal after tweaking the flavors to perfection! Honestly, these lettuce wraps are so versatile – it's hard to go wrong.

First, serve 'em immediately! Fresh and crisp is key. Don't let 'em sit around – they are best right away.

For a complete meal, add a side of Mexican rice—about ½ cup. Or, try a dollop of sour cream—maybe 2 tablespoons—on top for extra creaminess. You could also add some fresh salsa or guacamole. Store-bought works in a pinch.

If you wanna be extra, offer a variety of toppings on the side, like chopped tomatoes, olives, or even some crumbled cheese. I mean, who doesn't love options? It's your dinner, so make it fun. Remember to enjoy!

Short Recipe Version

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can vegetarian refried beans
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head of lettuce, separated into leaves
• Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, green onions, sriracha

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add bell pepper and water chestnuts and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in vegetarian refried beans, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
5. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves and top with optional toppings.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g