I love lamb.
I could (reluctantly) get by without eating most types of meat. But lamb is different. I’d miss the taste of lamb. It oozes flavour.
I also love Mexican food.
So, I thought, why not combine my favourite meat with one of my favourite cuisines and create a healthy dish?
Here’s the result: Mexican lamb mince in lettuce tacos. The lettuce acts as a pseudo-taco, shifting the dish into the realms of being not just delicious, but good for you.
Mexican Lamb Mince in Lettuce Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 (red or white) onion, finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, crushed or 1 tbsp frozen chopped garlic
1-2 red chillies, chopped or 1 tbsp frozen chopped chilli
400-500g lamb mince (the higher the quality of meat, the better)
1 tbsp oregano
2 tsp paprika
1 lime, juiced
2 handfuls coriander, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
2 little gem lettuces
Cooking Instructions
Let’s start by chopping the end off the lettuce, washing it under the tap and then laying each individual leaf out to dry on a kitchen towel.
Next, heat a pan on a medium to high heat. Add olive olive and, once warm, throw in the onion and garlic. After a few minutes, get the chilli in there. Once everything has softened and is fragrant, add the lamb mince to the pan. Sprinkle the oregano and paprika over the lamb and mix everything in the pan together.
After seven to ten minutes, the meat will be cooked. Now, squeeze in the lime juice and scatter a handful of fresh coriander in the pan.
Continue mixing it all together and, once satisfied the meat is cooked through, take the pan off the heat and season with salt and pepper.
Check the lettuce is dry and move each leaf individually onto a plate. Using a spoon, scoop a tablespoon or two of lamb mince into each piece of lettuce. Then, once all the lettuce is filled or all the mince has gone, scatter the other handful of coriander over everything. Serve it up either on its own or with some of the sides recommended below.
Enjoy!
Ideas for Toppings and Sides
Guacamole
Salsa or chopped tomatoes
Black or pinto beans, gently heated with cumin
Feta, Parmesan, cheddar or other cheese, crumbled or grated
Caramelised onions and peppers
Chive and garlic crème fraiche dip
Cauliflower rice
Notes
I recommend using lamb mince but I’ve also used both turkey mince and beef mince with the otherwise same ingredients. Both were worthy replacements for lamb, albeit lamb is the best.
Remember: if you do try my Mexican lamb in lettuce tacos recipe, take a picture and share it on Instagram. I’d love to check it out.
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