Submitted by: Joe’s Gardens, written by Kevin Coleman
Food really is an extension of happiness, and I love creating happiness with those around me. Cooking is a passion for me. I’m always looking for new things and recipes that my family will enjoy eating, while still being healthy. Because eating healthy is important for me, as well as buying local as much as possible, there are a few places that are staples for my kitchen and cooking needs. If you are looking to find great local produce then you need to head to Joe’s Gardens. I love my weekly visits there in the late spring and summer. Many times, you can find great inspiration in the produce they have. Not to mention the local flowers, eggs, honey and the odd and end things you can get at Joe’s Gardens all the time.
This week, I found a number of things that I just had to have to create a great lettuce wrap with curry and yogurt chicken, and a mild peanut sauce. Not only is this meal fairly easy to prepare, but it’s also refreshing, colorful and can be served hot or cold. I prefer hot but to each their own. Plus, my two teenage boys like it. So that’s a parenting win anytime!
First, you want to get the produce. The produce is the key to overall freshness and taste. I found a great crispy romaine and a beautiful, purple variegated butter lettuce for my wraps. This is delicious combined in a huge garden salad as well on the side if you wish. It was also important to get some green onion, cilantro (optional for those non-cilantro folks), garlic, ginger, jalapeno (just in case I wanted to add to the peanut sauce) and a tomato for the chicken part of the dish.
I love this dish because of the various options you can create with it, as well as the easy prep and clean up. So, let’s get started!
Marinade:
Combine the yogurt, ginger, garlic and curry powder in a shallow mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper for taste. Chop chicken up in bite size pieces and add to the bowl. Let the chicken and ingredients marinate for an hour or two in the refrigerator.
Cooking:
Take a sauté pan and add a little sesame oil and olive oil and get the pan really hot. Place the chicken mixture into the pan and start to cook. Add green onions and cilantro half way through the cooking to add more flavor. I personally like to add it to my yogurt and curry mixture and cook it all together. Some may prefer more crispness in their green onion and cilantro. Right before the chicken is completely done, add one chopped tomato and sprinkle a little feta on top. Cover and prep the lettuce leafs for the wraps.
Peanut Sauce:
Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, red chili paste, brown sugar, finely diced jalapeno and lime juice in a food processor or blender. Puree to combine. While the motor is running, drizzle in the hot water to thin out the sauce – you may not need all of it. Pour the sauce into a nice serving bowl and garnish with the chopped peanuts. (This is optional as well.)
Prep:
Take the lettuce leaves off one by one from the head and wash them. Then dry them with a paper towel. Put them into the refrigerator to crisp up. The larger lettuce leaves do great for that perfect burrito wrap style and feel. Put two spoonsful of chicken mixture onto the lettuce leaves and then drizzle the peanut sauce on it. (You can also have the peanut sauce to the side for dipping if you prefer.)
Ingredients Needed
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 diced tomato
- ½ cup feta cheese
- Olive and sesame oil for sautéing
- Fresh butter or romaine lettuce leaves
- ½ cup diced fresh green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt adds a little more tang if you want that taste.)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons red chili paste, such as sambal
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for garnish
This is one of many meals that are easy to make and create enough. You can get the whole family involved in the cooking. You also have the option to switch out the protein – beef for land lovers, jumbo prawns for those seafood lovers or a bean combination for those who are vegan. You can even create an entire platter of wraps for a summer outdoor gathering or a fun get together with friends and family. The options really are up to you and your creativity. So be sure to find the ingredients for your favorite summer eats at Joe’s Gardens—your local source for inspirational cuisine. Have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking!
