There is nothing better on a hot summer’s day than getting together with your friends and family, packing up a quick and simple meal, and heading to the beach to enjoy some sand, sun and good food. Today’s recipe is perfect for such an occasion. This little dish requires no cooking, no appliances and very little time. You will be using lettuce as a wrap, and filling it with chopped veggies, fruits, cheese and a simple sauce that will have you eating away the beachy day.
Lettuce Boats
- 2 heads of lettuce (more or less depending on # of people, the lettuce will be used as your wrap)
- Carrots, finely sliced
- Bell peppers, finely sliced
- Cucumbers, finely sliced
- Mango, finely sliced
- Optional add ins: nice cheese, cherry tomatoes, sliced chicken etc…
Slice all veggies, and wash and dry your lettuce leaves, keeping them whole and intact. I like to use butter lettuce here because they make really pretty little boats!
Dipping sauce:
- 3 tbsp mild white miso
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated finely
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 scallion – chopped
- ¼ cup water (more or less to achieve desired consistency)
Combine dip ingredients. Add water to reach your desired consistency. You do not need to blend this sauce! All you need to do is combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir it with a fork.
When you get to the beach, all you have to do is put a little sauce in the bottom of your lettuce boats, and fill with your desired fillings and enjoy!
Details:
Miso is a really cool ingredient to use. It has healthful bacteria in it, which can help aid digestion by adding to the friendly bacteria that already live in your gut. These little guys help break your food down into smaller pieces that are easier for your body to assimilate. It is also full of antioxidants, like the minerals zinc and manganese, as well as some lesser known ones like ferulic and kojic acid. These antioxidants will help defend against harmful free radicals.
Some of you may be concerned about the fact that miso is decidedly high in sodium. Fear not, studies have also show that the sodium content in miso does not have the same negative effects on heart health as regular table salt does. You can read more about how the sodium in miso differes from that in regular table salt by clicking here.
And, it’s a wrap!
For more information, you can find Ali at the Sun Studio and Lifestyle Store or e-mail her at unitycoaching@gmail.com