One Skillet...TWO Meals: Asian Lettuce Wraps & Turkey Chili

You may have noticed the absence of recipes around here on the blog...

there's a reason for that...

my cooking has become drastically different since January 6, 2014 

when we began the Daniel Plan, the new book by Rick Warren.

I've never been one to jump on the bandwagon.  In fact, I pride myself in going against popular culture.  But, The Gunny & I came to the realization that we needed a drastic lifestyle change.  Our eating habits had to change. And, so they have.

I was drawn to the Daniel Plan because of its five foundations:

FAITH

FOOD

FITNESS

FOCUS 

FRIENDS

Today, marks the 31st day we have followed the plan.  We committed to 40 days.  And, needless to say...we now know it will be for a lifetime.  That's not to say we will  never again enjoy a chocolate chip cookie or some of my mama's fried chicken.  But, 98% of the time we'll be clean eating.

So, it's been a new way to learn to cook for me. I can't say that I enjoy it as much as the calorie-laden, carb-loaded food I made before.  But, I do feel better about what I'm setting on the table.  I do know that I feel ONE MILLION times better.  I could tell you about the difference in how my clothes fit, how my skin looks, how my energy level has sky-rocketed OR the clarity & focus I now have.  

But, this post was supposed to be ALL about two fantastic recipes from ONE skillet of ground turkey...so, let's just get to that.  And, if you have any questions about the Daniel Plan feel free to email me or leave a comment.  

Shopping List: 

(for two recipes)

4 lbs of ground turkey

1 large red onion

1 zuchini

3 carrots 

1 yellow pepper

5 scallions

1 bulb of garlic

1 head of butter lettuce

1 bag of snap peas

2 cans of fire-roasted tomatoes (I bought salsa style)

2 cans of black beans

1 can of red kidney beans

1 bag of frozen corn

1 can of green chilis

1 package of Williams Chili seasoning (for 4 lbs)

1 jar of almond butter

Low-sodium soy sauce

Honey (I use raw honey)

Chinese hot sauce (siracha)

Olive oil

White balsamic vinegar

 Salt & Pepper

To begin, dice your red onion & saute in a skillet with a bit of olive oil.

Add ground turkey once the onions begin to brown.

While your turkey is cooking, in a large stock pot combine your beans (rinsed & drained), canned tomatoes, 1/2 bag of the corn, green chilis & Williams seasoning mix.  Stir.

And, set to simmer.

When you turkey is just about cooked, add about 5 cloves of minced garlic & black pepper.  The key to making turkey yummy is SEASONING!

Once the turkey is cooked, drain the fat.

Add about 1 1/2 lbs of the cooked turkey to the chili.  Add water or tomato juice to bring to desired consistency. Salt & pepper to taste.  (I only use sea salt to cook)

Now onto the veggies, dice & slice your yellow pepper & scallions.  Pour out about a 1/2 bag of your snap peas.  Grate your zucchini & carrots.

The picture gives you an idea. 

Now, it's time to combine your homemade hoisin sauce for the Asian wraps.  I started to buy hoisin sauce at the store until I read the label in the store & I knew it didn't fit into our plan & there was NO way I was feeding my family all those preservatives!  So, I googled a hoisin sauce recipe & converted it into "clean" recipe. I'll give you the original recipe & add my changes in (   ).

Hoisin Sauce

4 tbs of soy sauce (low-sodium)

2 tbs of peanut butter (3 tbs of almond butter/no sugar added)

1 tbs of molasses or honey (1 tbs of raw honey)

2 tbs of rice vinegar (2 tbs of white balsamic vinegar)

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tbs of sesame oil (2 tbs organic olive oil)

1 tsp of Chinese hot sauce (Siracha)

1/8 tsp of black pepper

Whisk together

This also makes an insane veggie dip.  Corinne & I kept dipping the snap peas into it. Yum.

Saute the bell peppers first in a large skillet...for about 3 minutes.

Add the rest of the veggies.  Cook about 2-3 minutes.  I like to keep them a bit crisp.

Add turkey mixture.

Add your hoisin sauce & cook another 2 to 3 minutes.

Serve on butter lettuce.  And, I fixed some brown rice as well.

So, there you have it....a two for one deal!  The Asian wraps were absolutely amazing!  My family would have licked the pan clean if I would have let them.  There were NO leftovers. 

Today, the turkey chili is on the menu. Yum.

Have a wonderful day, friends....