Asian Lentil Lettuce Wraps

No one will even miss the meat in these delicious and filling lentil wraps! My whole family loved these! Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamin and minerals so they are a smart choice of food to be adding into your diet.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (1 small)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1 small)
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 1 Tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce, or more to taste
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 – 2 heads iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce, leaves separated, rinsed and dried

Instructions

  • Simmer lentils in unsalted water according to package directions until just tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in bell pepper and onion and saute until softened, about 5 – 6 minutes. 
  • Add in carrots, garlic and ginger and saute 1 minute longer. 
  • Add in drained lentils, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and water chestnuts, cook while tossing, 1 minute (thin as needed with a few tablespoons of water. The lentils will absorb some of the sauce as the mixtures rests so you can thin with a little water as desired).
  • Toss in walnuts, sprinkle with green onions, cilantro and optional sesame seeds. Serve filling warm in lettuce leaves (I like to double up the lettuce leaves).