Ground Lamb and Green Bean Lettuce Wraps with Ethiopian Flavors – Recipe!

I am always looking for good recipes with unique flavors, something different, yet not too different that you wouldn’t absolutely crave it.  Berbere, an Ethiopian spice blend with familiar elements of coriander, ginger and garlic, but includes some unfamiliar spices of nigella, ajwain and fenugreek, have a pleasurable flavor profile, and can be delicious in many dishes.  During the week, I like to make quicker cooking meals that don’t involve much work, but are still loaded with ingredients that are fresh and tasty.  These lettuce wraps definitely fit the bill.

Ground lamb with the addition of berbere  becomes immediately fragrant creating an enormously tasty meaty mixture.  Green beans add a kick of freshness that lightens the mix, and presents a dish that is down right delicious.  You might be wondering where to find a berbere spice blend, but it’s one of those spices that is becoming more popular, and can be found at most grocery stores, or online.  Berbere is so versatile and can be utilized in soups, stews, chili and other ground meat, or vegetable dishes.

Fresh lettuce leaves, either Boston or little Gem, are the perfect vesicle for enjoying this meal.  If you want a little more heat, you can serve these wraps with a side of sambal, or chili paste to dot on top, but it’s pretty tasty all on it’s own.

Ingredients

1 small onion, diced

1 pound ground lamb

1 tablespoon berbere

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced

2 cup fresh or frozen green beans, cut into thirds

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1 head Boston or Gem lettuce, leaves removed and washed

olive oil for cooking

sambal, optional

(Serves 2-4)

To Prepare:

1. In a large skillet, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and place over medium high heat.  Add onion and saute for 2 minutes.  Add lamb and break apart with spoon while stirring.  Continue to cook for 4 minutes.
2. Add berbere, ginger, salt and garlic, stir.  Continue to cook for 3 minutes.  Add green beans and stir.  Turn heat down to medium-low and cover with lid.  Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until green beans are fork tender.
3. Remove lid and spoon lamb mixture onto serving bowl or platter.  Sprinkle with cilantro.  Serve with lettuce leaves and sambal, if desired.  Enjoy!