Nifty new ideas used to be called “the greatest thing since sliced bread.” If current trends are any indicator, we may soon be describing ingenious inventions as “the greatest things since lettuce cups.”
Bread is being pushed off the sandwich board, as diners opt for their favorite fillings to be snuggled inside—or rolled into—a sturdy lettuce holder. It’s a turn of events that would certainly surprise John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich. (He’s the guy who invented the sandwich in 1762 as a way to get a quick meal while gambling.)
But for today’s low carb and gluten free diners, a slab of roast beef slapped between two pieces of white bread just won’t do. They want chicken patties presented between leaves of Little Gem lettuces, paleo hamburgers nestled between slices of sweet potato “bun,” or seafood salads served in iceberg lettuce cups.
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If you’d like to try offering up a breadless sandwich or wrap option on your menu, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, select large and flexible leaves of lettuce. After a thorough washing of the greens, be sure to dry them very well to keep them from diluting your filling mixture.
Popular varieties for wraps include Bibb, RomaCruch and Little Gem. If you need something sturdier for a low-carb burrito, consider using collard greens or other sturdy greens. If you’re seeking to create cups, iceberg, red lettuce or radicchio leaves are good options.
Anything you’re using as a dip or sandwich filling can work with breadless options, as well. Since this is a type of dish that will appeal to more health-conscious diners, you’ll want to keep those fillings on the lighter side. Be sure to include at least one option that’s plant-based.
Simply Dressed
The perfect complements for breadless sandwiches are T. Marzetti Simply Dressed® dressings. They’re all made with a minimal number of all-natural, simple ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, canola oil and sea salt, and they all pair well with crunchy toppers. Choose from Blue Cheese, Caesar, Cole Slaw, Cucumber Ranch, Lemon Vinaigrette, Pomegranate Vinaigrette, Ranch, Strawberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette. Or try Simply 60™ Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Buttermilk Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Garlic Parmesan or Red Wine Italian Vinaigrette. Wondering which greens go best with which dressing? Use our pairing with greens guide for suggestions.
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Lettuce Wraps by Food and Wine
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