Spiced ground turkey lettuce wraps {avocado + peanuts}

Spiced ground turkey lettuce wraps – a quick and healthy weeknight meal, and one of our top favorites, these wraps are loaded with veggies, and warm spices, and topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro and creamy avocado.

I’ve been meaning to post the recipe for these spiced ground turkey lettuce wraps for awhile, as this is one of our top family favorites.  It was a tremendous success the very first time I made it, and especially appeals to kids, as I think it reminds them of eating tacos in a way.

Warm spices, and slightly sweet carrots make a great addition to the ground turkey meat; a little bit of heat from the garlic, ginger and cayenne gives these wraps a kick, while lettuces leaves, and peanuts add a good crunch.  Finally fresh cilantro, lime juice and creamy avocado complete the perfection.

I love that these wraps are not just super delicious, but they are loaded with veggies, and lean protein.  What makes them especially kid friendly, and as fun as eating tacos, is that you can load the wraps with your favorite toppings, and adjust the amount to your liking (in our house this means lots of peanuts, and avocado).

The recipe is adapted from this one by Dr. Hyman.  I slightly modified the spice ratios and toppings, but other than that, it was just perfect and didn’t require much adjustments.

The wraps make a quick week night meal too – they come together in about half an hour, or so, especially if you enlist your bigger kids to do some of the chopping.  Since I  make it pretty often, to save some time, I keep a jar of the spices pre-mixed.  I simply measure equal parts cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander and mix them well, then use about 2 – 2.5 tsp of the mix.  Feel free to adjust the heat or the warmth.  I sometimes like adding more cinnamon, or less cayenne.  As for toppings – get creative with any other nuts or veggies you fancy.  They don’t need a sauce, as the meat stuffing is juicy enough, and the veggies on top provide enough binding.

I hope you try them, and if you do, let me know how you liked them.

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

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Spiced ground turkey lettuce wraps {avocado + peanuts}

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

Spiced ground turkey lettuce wraps - a quick and healthy weeknight meal, and one of our top favorites, these wraps are loaded with veggies, and warm spices, and topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro and creamy avocado.

Course: Main Dish

Servings: 6

Calories: 420 kcal

Author: adapted from Dr. M.Hyman

Ingredients

For the spiced ground turkey:

• 1 lbs ground turkey
• 1 1/2 onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 3-4 medium carrots, grated
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp ground coriander
• 3/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 6 Tbs olive oil
• 6 Tbs chicken broth

For the wraps:

• lettuce leaves for serving (baby romaine, or butter lettuce)
• 2 avocados, chopped
• a handful of roasted, salted peanuts
• chopped fresh cilantro
• fresh lime juice
• chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil, and saute the onions for 5 minutes.
2. Add the grated ginger, garlic, and spices (turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, coriander, black pepper & salt), then the grated carrots, and saute for a few more minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook over medium heat until done (10 minutes or so).
4. Pour the chicken broth and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro.
6. Spoon the turkey mixture over lettuce leaves, squeeze lime juice over, and serve with various toppings.
7. Topping ideas: chopped avocado, roasted salted peanuts, cashew nuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, chopped Persian cucumbers, bean sprouts, baby spinach, etc.