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Crispy Chickpea Lettuce Wraps


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Fresh and flavorful lettuce wraps filled with perfectly seasoned crispy chickpeas and zesty cilantro sauce for a healthy, satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), about 2 cups
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 68 romaine lettuce leaves
  • Diced onion, tomato, avocado, cucumber for topping (optional)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (include stems)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse chickpeas, then lay them on paper towels. Pat completely dry – this step is crucial for achieving crispiness.
  2. Transfer dried chickpeas to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chickpeas and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
  4. While chickpeas cook, blend yogurt, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, avocado oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Wash and dry romaine leaves thoroughly. Select the largest, most cup-shaped leaves for the best wraps.
  6. Place crispy chickpeas in lettuce cups, add desired toppings, and drizzle with cilantro sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Thoroughly drying chickpeas is essential – any moisture will prevent them from getting crispy in the pan
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking chickpeas, as this creates steam and prevents proper browning
  • Make the cilantro sauce ahead of time and refrigerate – the flavors improve after sitting for 30 minutes
  • Choose the outer romaine leaves as they’re sturdier and form better cups for holding fillings
  • Store leftover components separately to maintain freshness and texture
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 wraps
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: healthy lettuce wraps, crispy chickpeas recipe, plant-based wraps, vegetarian lettuce cups, chickpea meal prep, fresh wrap recipes, protein-packed wraps, Mediterranean chickpeas