[Rochester]

When I found a recipe for Spicy Asian Lettuce Cups, I thought it sounded like a healthy, low carb version of Chinese food. Not only is it that, but it’s also delicious! I made only a few small changes to the original recipe. I served these with Rachael Ray's Sesame Green Beans which have the perfect compliment of flavors.

Calories:408 Carbs:24g Fat:24g Protein:28g (for both recipes)

Spicy Asian Lettuce Cups
(serves 4)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped medium
1 pound ground turkey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
4 teaspoons rice wine or white white vinegar
4 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash extra spicy seasoning mix (or red pepper flakes)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 large bunch red leaf lettuce (12-16 leaves)
Garnish: 1/4 cup sliced scallions, 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Heat oil in a large (12-inch skillet) over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and water chestnuts; sauté until onions soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add turkey; continue to cook, stirring frequently, until meat looses its raw color, and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, oil, pepper flakes, and sugar. Add to the sautéing turkey and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Lay out 3 or 4 lettuce leaves on each of four plates. Divide the meat mixture into equals fourths, then spoon evenly onto lettuce leaves. Garnish with scallions and peanuts, and roll up burrito-style (or egg roll style, in keeping with the theme...ha).


Sesame Green Beans
(serves 4)

1 1/2 pounds green beans, washed and trimmed
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash extra spicy seasoning blend (or crushed red pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Coarse salt

Steam green beans until crisp-tender. Transfer beans to a colander and run under cold water. Drain well.

Heat a large nonstick frying pan over high heat. Go once-around-the-pan with canola oil, add several drops sesame oil, and Mrs. Dash (or crushed pepper flakes). The pan will smoke. Add beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add sesame seeds and coarse salt and toss to coat beans evenly.