This is one of those super-quick dinner ideas. The filling for these lettuce wraps is heavily inspired by a bar in my town that Trey and I frequent sometimes for dinner. They make these really tasty vegetarian sliders (they call them Cubicles) that we both love. I’ve been trying to make my own homemade version. And after a few attempts, I think I finally found a version we both love. The filling for these is extra-protein-packed with lentils and tempeh, so you can easily serve these wrapped in lettuce for an ultra-filling meal. You could also serve these in tortillas with salsa and sour cream. Or you could serve these on mini hamburger buns alongside baked french fries. Whatever you choose, be sure to try this; it’s just too good to pass up. Lentil & Tempeh Lettuce Wraps, serves three to four (maybe two if you’re super hungry).
15 oz cooked lentils (I used canned lentils)
8 oz tempeh, chopped into small pieces
3-4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
1 egg
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt + pepper to taste
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (see note)
6-8 large lettuce leaves
Carefully remove the lettuce leaves from the base (if you bought a whole head of lettuce). Thoroughly rinse and pat dry each leaf. Or you can use a salad spinner if you have one (I don’t). Just make sure your lettuce is clean.
Combine the lentils (drained), tempeh, minced garlic, cilantro, and green onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Cook the egg, scrambling it. This makes the filling kind of like stir fry. To the skillet add the lentil mix. Sprinkle in the cumin plus a little salt and pepper. Cook until everything is warmed through. Toss the cheese over the hot mixture, just so it will melt a little. Then fill the lettuce leaves with the filling.Serve with a little chili sauce or sriracha and extra cilantro. Enjoy! xo. Emma
Note: If you want to enjoy this as part of the Weekday Weekend challenge remember to omit the dairy (cheese) in the above recipe. Add some compliant hot sauce or vegan cheese if you like but these are super flavorful even without.
Lentil and Tempeh Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 15 oz cooked lentils I used canned lentils
- 8 oz tempeh chopped into small pieces
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- salt + pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 6-8 large lettuce leaves
Instructions
-
Carefully remove the lettuce leaves from the base (if you bought a whole head of lettuce). Thoroughly rinse and pat dry each leaf. Or you can use a salad spinner if you have one (I don't). Just make sure your lettuce is clean.
-
Combine the lentils (drained), tempeh, minced garlic, cilantro, and green onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Cook the egg, scrambling it. This makes the filling kind of like stir fry. To the skillet add the lentil mix. Sprinkle in the cumin plus a little salt and pepper. Cook until everything is warmed through. Toss the cheese over the hot mixture, just so it will melt a little. Then fill the lettuce leaves with the filling.
-
Serve with a little chili sauce or sriracha and extra cilantro.
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with Cleo of the Signature Collection.
37 Comments
This looks so good! Maybe I can convince my better half to try this instead of our regular tacos sometime 😉
xo
Camilla
Have you tried this recipe at all with vegan substitutes? (flax egg for egg; vegan cheese; etc.)
I’m wondering if it would still taste good? 🙂
i’ve really been wanting to try tempeh, this might give me the push!
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2014/03/go-ahead-ruin-your-dinner.html
Love veggie dinners! And I adore lentils. This looks delish!
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
definitely trying these. I love lettuce wraps
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I always love your recipes, I recently just made the heart-shaped red wine doughnuts. My chocolate glaze could have been a little smoother but they still tasted good!
Healthy recipe and tasty!
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Not to self: Try these. I don’t know what I’d do without your cooking ideas Emma! I think I’ve gotten the fiance to eat more vegetables with your suggestion than I could before!
Melinda
This looks delicious!
Love it – Here’s my go-to recipe for a quick dinner (or breakfast for that matter): http://districtandmore.com/2014/01/08/breakfast-tostadas/
So yummy and healthy! Love it! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
I’m definitely trying this! Thanks for sharing Emma. 🙂
♥ Naomi Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups
I love lentils, and I love tempeh, but have never combined them like this. Looks delicious!
I’ve never even HEARD of tempeh!! Haha.
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This would be good for a dinner party! Definitely going to try it soon!
It looks really nice. Great for a party!
I’ve never tried tempeh before, but this looks so good I might have to expand my horizons. Thanks for sharing!
http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com
Omg. I was already hungry but now that I see this I’m starving.
Tyler
onelittleblackdress.com
i love lettuce wraps, i’ve been doing cabbage versions with quinoa – so yummy !
Lauren x
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Oo I just did tandoori veg lettuce cups- was delish! Have to try these yum
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
Made this tonight and even my meat-loving boyfriend loved them!! So good. Thanks for the recipe! We’ll definitely be making these again.
These look and sound amazing!
Have you tried to eat fried tempeh+lalapan+sambal terasi+rice? Its really delicious and healthy! ^^
Have you tried to eat fried tempeh +lalapan+sambal terasi+rice? Its really delicious and healthy! ^^
Is that tempe?
Here in Indonesia we called it Tempe and it’s the Indonesian fave food ever. I like reading your blog, btw. *greetings from Indonesia*
Such a clever way to use lentils and tempeh together. I’ll have to try these!
I must try these, they look like they taste amazing!
remnantsofreflection.blogspot.com.au
p.s. emma i know you were looking for an iphone case in this pattern – has anyone pointed you to it?
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this looks great!! those lettuce leaves are perfect!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
These look delicious! My boyfriend and I are trying to find some ways to start eating healthier and this looks like a yummy recipe to try out for dinner one night!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
I love challengues. It helps me to grow as an artist.
I honestly surprised when i saw you cook lentil & tempe, i’m from Indonesia and i’m proud that our traditional food went into your kitchen 😀
I love lentils! I love your blog1 I can’t wait to have these print outs on my wall!!!
Thank you for the vegan recipe! I’ve been eating vegan for almost a month now and it is the best switch I have ever made! Keep it up with the vegan options!
We made this last night and it was so great and easy. We served it with some lime and avocado on top, which really brought the whole dish together. This will definitely enter our regular meal rotation. Thanks for the idea.
I made this today without the egg and added cheddar Daiya. It was delicious and held together well with the Daiya.
I’m vegan, so left out egg and cheese, but added a can of chopped water chestnuts and some mung bean sprouts. YUM! I served with a green papaya salad with green beans, red pepper and chopped peanuts.