Asian Lettuce Wraps with Radishes

Here is a delicious and fun recipe using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, bread or pancakes and our veggie of the month- Radishes!   I love the lettuce wraps at my local PF Changs Restaurant and these are similar.  This recipe calls for ground turkey but you can substitute with GimmeLean.  GimmieLean is a meat alternative found in the produce section of most markets and can be formed into meatballs, burgers, added to sauce or transformed into chili for a delicious vegetarian spin.



Meatballs:
1 lb lean ground turkey or one package of GimmeLean ground beef alternative
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons minced, fresh ginger

Filling:
1 cup brown rice
2 cups water
16 large lettuce leaves, washed and dried
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup scallions, sliced thin
1 cup sliced red bell pepper
1 cup sliced radishes

Dipping Sauce:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon honey

1.  In a medium bowl, mix together ground turkey or alternative and the meatball ingredients.  Form into 16 meatballs and roll into ovals.  Cover and refrigerate.

2.  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the rice with 2 cups of water.  Bring water to a boil, adjust heat and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

3.  Preheat grill.  Arrange lettuce leaves, rice, carrots, scallions, radishes, and red pepper onto a serving platter.  In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the sauce ingredients and divide into 4 small dipping bowls.
4.  Thread 2 meatballs each onto 10 inch skewers.  If you are using GimmeLean, toss the meatballs lightly with a bit of olive oil to coat to avoid sticking.  Grill about 10 minutes, turning occassionally to brown all sides. Watch the alternative meatballs carefully so they do not burn on the grill. 

To eat, place a lettuce leaf in the palm of your hand or in a dish, spoon a little of the rice, then a meatball, and some of the vegetables.  Roll up and dip into the sauce or spoon sauce over the wrap.

Makes 4 servings
394 calories
12.3 grams of fat

And this is my Daily Cyn............