These little cups are great vehicles for nutritional goodness. Make sure you add a variety of coloured veggies,
herbs, and spices, as the more you add the more nutrient variation you’re providing; while the choice of olive oil and cashew nuts provide important fats to complement the nutritional profile of the dish. The lettuce cup format serves the rice and mince together in snack-sized servings allowing one to control portions and enjoy all the ingredients in every mouthful, ensuring every bite is nutritious. These can be served on platters for some pre-braai starters, a party spread, after-school lunch, or a light dinner.
In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in the onion and bell pepper, cooking for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the chicken mince, breaking it up as it cooks. Once cooked through, add in the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture on low for a few minutes, letting the excess liquid reduce.
TO SERVE: Spoon equal amounts of the chicken mixture and rice into the lettuce leaves. Top each lettuce cup with cashews, sliced chillies, and chopped dhania and green onion.
Tip: The mince can be made ahead of time and frozen. This is a great lunchbox treat or party snack. A great idea is to add a dollop of raita or guacamole or have optional toppings on the side for guests to add, packing in extra vegetables and good fats. The protein type can be substituted out for a protein of your choice.
Ingredients
Directions
In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in the onion and bell pepper, cooking for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the chicken mince, breaking it up as it cooks. Once cooked through, add in the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture on low for a few minutes, letting the excess liquid reduce.
TO SERVE: Spoon equal amounts of the chicken mixture and rice into the lettuce leaves. Top each lettuce cup with cashews, sliced chillies, and chopped dhania and green onion.
Tip: The mince can be made ahead of time and frozen. This is a great lunchbox treat or party snack. A great idea is to add a dollop of raita or guacamole or have optional toppings on the side for guests to add, packing in extra vegetables and good fats. The protein type can be substituted out for a protein of your choice.