Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Gayle Hughes

My daughter, Heather, has 4 young children and this is one of their favorite meals.

·       1 Tbsp. olive oil

·       1/2 cup finely diced yellow or white onion

·       1 cup finely diced (or shredded) carrots

·       3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press

·       1/4 tsp. salt

·       1/4 tsp. black pepper

·       1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into small pieces

·       3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

·       2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

·       1/2 cup chopped raw cashews (lightly toasted, if desired)

·       Bibb or green leaf lettuce leaves for wrapping

·       Chopped cucumbers and tomatoes for serving

 1.  In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion and carrots. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

2.   Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper and add to the skillet with the onions and carrots. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken pieces are cooked through, 4-5 minutes.

3.   Stir in the soy sauce and maple syrup and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, letting the soy sauce and maple syrup bubble and simmer.

4.  Stir in the cashews, cooking until they are just heated through. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

5.   Serve in lettuce leaves topped with tomatoes and cucumbers (the freshness adds a delicious element to the flavors!) Makes 4-6 servings.