lettuce enjoy

My kitchen group in foods class must think I'm crazy by now. At every step of the recipe I stop them to take a picture, and when the recipe is done and all they want to do is try the food, I take pictures of it at every possible angle. Sorry guys! 

These quinoa lettuce wraps are too good not to blog! In class everyone loved them, and they're loaded with health benefits. The quinoa is protein-packed, filling, and rich in fiber. It acts as an internal cleanser and detoxifier, it's high in calcium and iron (which helps deliver oxygen to the blood and brain), and has a high vitamin B content (which helps keep your mind sharp, stabilizes moods, and helps with alertness). The sesame oil is antibacterial, antioxidant-rich, and helps reduce high blood pressure. The ginger is good for gastrointestinal relief (it helps when you have a stomach ache) and is high in vitamin C. Garlic acts as a "natural aspirin" and acts as medication against the common cold. The active ingredient is Allicin, which relieves congestion. (*Tip: If you let minced garlic sit out for a little bit, the Allicin will intensify. One spoon of the garlic and honey every day will help "cure" your cold). The apple cider vinegar can help relieve nausea and can help lower cholsterol and blood pressure, and the parsley is packed with antioxidants, vitamin K, and is a natural breath freshener.

Here's what you need:

yields 8 lettuce wraps
 2 cups cooked quinoa
1 tbsp red onion 
2 carrots
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 garlic clove
1 tsp ginger
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
t tbsp honey

1. Peel and grate carrots into small shreds. (You can also julienne the carrots). Chop onion into small pieces. Mince garlic.

2. Mix sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl.

3. Mix quinoa, onions, and carrots in a large bowl.

5. Pour contents of the small bowl (the "dressing") into the quinoa bowl and mix.

6. Wash and dry lettuce leaves.

7. Fill lettuce with quinoa mixture. Enjoy!!