Awadhi-style Stuffed Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

In this Awadhi adaptation, we replace the traditional Korean ingredients with Awadhi spices and flavors. The filling is prepared using minced meat, Awadhi spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, along with fragrant herbs like mint and coriander. The dish is then wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, adding a refreshing element to the rich and aromatic flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Sangchu ssam, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) minced meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) 500g (1.1 lb) minced meat (chicken, lamb, or beef)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon Awadhi garam masala (blend of spices) 1 teaspoon Awadhi garam masala (blend of spices)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped Handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated and washed 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated and washed

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and ginger paste to the pan and cook for another minute.
3. 3.
   Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Stir in the Awadhi garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Cook the mixture for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Once the filling has cooled, stir in the chopped mint and coriander leaves.
8. 8.
   Take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the filling onto it.
9. 9.
   Roll the lettuce leaf, enclosing the filling, and secure it with a toothpick if needed.
10. 10.
    Repeat the process with the remaining lettuce leaves and filling.
11. 11.
    Serve the Awadhi-style Stuffed Lettuce Wraps as an appetizer or main course.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Minced meat — Ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
• Awadhi garam masala — You can prepare your own blend by combining ground cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatic spices.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the minced meat with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.
• Experiment with different lettuce varieties like iceberg or romaine for a variation in texture and taste.
• Serve the Stuffed Lettuce Wraps with a side of mint chutney or yogurt dip for added flavor.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
• To make it more indulgent, garnish the wraps with a drizzle of melted ghee before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Awadhi-style Stuffed Lettuce Wraps as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by fragrant rice or Indian breads like naan or roti.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Lettuce Wraps on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of Awadhi garam masala. The vibrant green lettuce leaves and the colorful filling will create an enticing visual appeal.