Craving a mouthwatering, guilt-free dish that'll make your taste buds dance? Look no further! These Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Cups are about to revolutionize your meal game with a perfect blend of zesty buffalo sauce, protein-packed chickpeas, and crisp, fresh lettuce. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a protein-rich alternative or a spice lover looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution that takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 head of butter lettuce
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas under cold water. This helps to remove excess sodium and improves the flavor.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas and the buffalo sauce. Stir gently until the chickpeas are well-coated in the sauce. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the chickpeas are marinating in the buffalo sauce, prepare the lettuce cups. Carefully separate the leaves of the butter lettuce, trying to keep them whole. You will need about 8-12 leaves depending on their size.
- Next, prepare the vegetables. Dice the celery into small pieces and shred the carrots if not already prepped. Set these aside for assembly.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chickpea and buffalo sauce mixture to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and slightly caramelized. This will enhance the flavor and give a nice texture to the dish.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a minute while you prepare to assemble the lettuce cups.
- To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chickpea mixture into the center of each leaf. Be careful not to overfill, as it may spill out.
- Top each filled lettuce cup with the diced celery and shredded carrots for added crunch and freshness.
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top of each lettuce cup for an extra layer of flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy the tangy taste of blue cheese.
- Serve the buffalo chickpea lettuce cups immediately while they are warm. They can be enjoyed as a light lunch, appetizer, or party snack. Enjoy!
Tips
- Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve overall flavor.
- Let chickpeas marinate in buffalo sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Use butter lettuce for the most delicate and pliable lettuce cups.
- For extra crunch, ensure celery and carrots are finely diced or shredded.
- Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the blue cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect temperature and texture.
- Experiment with different hot sauces to customize the flavor profile.
- Prep ingredients in advance for an even quicker meal assembly.
- Store leftover buffalo chickpea mixture separately from lettuce cups to maintain crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
