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Vegan and Gluten Free Mexican Lettuce Wraps on a wooden board

Vegan and Gluten Free Mexican Lettuce Cups

Categories: vegan, nut free, gluten free, soy free, low carb, main dish, appetizer
Makes: 12-15 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp/30ml neutral oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium/150g red onion diced
  • 2 cloves/10g garlic minced
  • 1 medium/40 jalapeno minced
  • 1 medium/200g red or orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 2/3 cup/280g cooked chickpeas drained
  • 1 1/2 tsp/3g ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp/3g paprika
  • 1 tsp/2g dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp/3g salt
  • 1-2 tbsp/15-30ml lime juice
  • 1/2 cup/9g cilantro leaves chopped
  • 1 head butter/Boston lettuce or romaine heart separated, washed and drained
  • To serve: Guacamole or diced avocado lime juice

Method
 

  1. Mince the garlic and jalapeno. For a less spicy mixture, remove some or all of the jalapeno seeds.
  2. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Wash, dry, and finely chop the cilantro.
  3. Gently separate the lettuce leaves. Wash, drain, and pat fully dry.
  4. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until the onion starts to soften on the edges, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the drained chickpeas, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Stir to distribute.
  6. Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir to coat.
  7. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until everything is heated through and the bell pepper is slightly soft.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice as desired.
  9. Serve scooped into lettuce cups with a dollop of guacamole.
  10. Filling mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance except for the lime juice and cilantro and reheated in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving.
  11. Washed and dried lettuce can be stored in the fridge, layered with paper towels up to 1 day.

Notes

Taste/texture Notes: These lettuce cups or lettuce wraps are full of Mexican inspired flavours with a high protein and low carb base of chickpeas and peppers. Serve with a dollop of guacamole (recipe not included) or diced avocado for a flavorful bite. A quick and easy appetizer or light meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. An excellent finger food for potlucks and summer cook outs. Bean options: The chickpeas can be replaced with pinto beans, black beans, or cooked cranberry beans for even more options. If you want more spice, swap the jalapeno for a serrano chili.

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