Southwestern lettuce wraps

Typically inspired by East Asian cuisine, lettuce wraps take on a new twist with the bold flavors of the American Southwest. Bursting with vibrant colors and textures, this recipe, courtesy of Blue Zones*, is simple to make and a joy to eat.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • One small red or green bell pepper, diced
  • One small red onion, diced
  • One (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained and rinsed
  • Three garlic cloves, minced
  • One (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup packed minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Juice of one half to one full lemon
  • Large lettuce leaves (romaine, butter lettuce, iceberg, etc.)
  • Avocado slices
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Hot sauce
Blue Zones recipe

Preparation

  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and onion and sauté until the veggies start to become tender, one to two minutes.
  2. Add the corn and garlic and sauté for five minutes.
  3. Stir in the beans, cilantro, chili powder, salt and lemon juice (start with half of the lemon and add more at the end if you’d like more tang) and cook just until heated through.
  4. Allow to cool for five minutes, then serve in lettuce leaves.

Total cook time: 30 minutes

Yield: Two to four servings

View the original recipe on the Blue Zones site.


*HonorHealth is steadfast in its commitment to go beyond the traditional expectations of a healthcare system. We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, along with Cigna Healthcare and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.

The Blue Zones Project Scottsdale represents a multi-year collaborative effort with the City of Scottsdale that involves the entire community working together toward one common goal – to support and build a culture of community health and well-being.

Learn more about Blue Zones.