Spicy Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Makes 16 wraps

30 minutes or fewer

Leftover garnishes for this easy appetizer can be used to season the Hot Pot.

Filling

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped (1 ½ cups)
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
• 1 Tbs. minced lemongrass
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 1 lb. extra-firm tofu, crumbled
• 1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 4 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 Tbs. hoisin sauce
• 1 to 2 tsp. vegetarian chile sauce, such as vegetarian sriracha
• 16 butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves

Garnishes

• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup chopped fresh mint
• ½ cup finely chopped peanuts
• Hoisin and chile sauces

1. To make Filling: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, lemongrass, and garlic, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until onions are soft and beginning to brown. Add tofu and water chestnuts, breaking tofu into small crumbles; cook 4 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chile sauce. Transfer to serving bowl.
2. Place lettuce leaves on platter, and set out garnishes in small serving bowls. Let guests wrap tofu mixture in lettuce leaves, and top with their choice of garnishes. Reserve extra garnishes for Hot Pot.
January 2009 p.55