Posts Tagged ‘Mint’

Middle Eastern Lettuce Wraps

January 20th, 2010

I could seriously eat lettuce wraps every day.  I love the whole process of assembling each one.  The fact that you can customize and dress them up any way you please makes dinner time that much more fun!

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp sumac*
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 head butter lettuce (sometimes called bib or Boston lettuce)
  • 1/4 cups pine nuts, toasted
  • handful fresh mint, chopped

Yogurt Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup plain, fat free yogurt
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/8 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp sumac
  • salt and pepper

For sauce, simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.  It’s best if made a few hours ahead.

Spray your pan with non-stick spray over medium – high heat and toss in garlic and onions.  After about a minute, add in your chicken.  Season with spices, break up the meat a bit with a wooden spoon and then add in your apricots.  Continue to cook until chicken is browned, about 10 minutes.

To assemble, lay a lettuce leaf out on your plate and top with chicken mixture, finish off with a bit of your yogurt sauce, pine nuts and some fresh mint.

These were a big hit as is but I think next time I make them I’ll throw in some golden raisins too for extra sweetness.

*sumac can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or at a variety of places online.

Apricot Chicken with Mint and Pistachios

September 23rd, 2009

pistachochicken

This dish is a feast for the senses!  There are lots of flavors, colors and textures going on here.

» Read more: Apricot Chicken with Mint and Pistachios

Ginger Spritzer

February 18th, 2009

gingerspritzer

This low-cal spritzer really pops with the addition of fresh grated ginger.  Try it out as a flavorful alternative to a vodka or gin and tonic.

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots white rum (or substitute your favorite vodka or gin)
  • 1/2 can seltzer water
  • 1 handful fresh mint
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 tsp splenda*
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • Juice of half a lemon

 

Directions:

  1. Add your crushed ice to a glass as well as your mint, ginger, lemon juice and sweetener of your choice.  
  2. If you have a muddler, use it to bruise the mint and really bring the flavors out.  The crushed ice is key here as it acts as an abrasive to help break everything up.  If you don’t have a muddler, simply use the handle of a wooden spoon.
  3. Add in your rum, a bit more crushed ice and top off with seltzer.  Ahh!!!  Very refreshing.

 

Tips:

  • you want to use splenda or something similar as sugar wouldn’t dissolve in the cold liquid.  If you’re not a fan of sugar substitutes, you could always make a simple syrup and add that to the drink
  • Making a simple syrup is just that – simple.  Combine equal parts sugar and water 1 cup sugar, to 1 cup water and add to a small sauce pan.  Bring mixture to a boil.  Once all the sugar has dissolved into the water, remove from heat and allow to cool before adding to your drink.