Spicy Turkey Lettuce Cups
We are now at the time of year when my peak desire is to hibernate and reawaken in the late Spring. How to seize the last months of 2024?
It is back to business this week after a missed deadline last week. By now the clocks have fallen backwards giving an extra hour of sleep… although name me a refreshed parent grateful for the extra sleep. Personally, I am catching my breath after half term, the house feels relatively calm again and I have a moment to think. Having recently abandoned our routines and made zero time to plan meals it is time to regroup and I am excited to try some new recipes. I saw a beautiful post online this week which said that we shouldn’t hold back for the last two months of the year.
Now is the time to
try something new
look to someone who inspires you and learn something new from them
pick a habit that is good for you and repeat it
I love that positive take on the next few months, as there is still an opportunity to seize the year.
Trying something new
In 2024 I signed up for a monthly delivery of a good organic fruit and vegetable box. I have loved receiving these with all their new ingredients deposited at my door. I have been forced to cook with ingredients I might not typically choose to buy. This week’s beautiful pumpkin, pomegranate and purple broccoli were easy add-ins. I struggled more with the turnips and radicchio! But this is the whole point. I definitely recommend it if you feel you can include this in your monthly budget.
Look to someone who inspires you and learn something new from them
I couldn’t have been more excited to receive my copy of Ina Garten’s memoir, which I had pre-ordered months ago. It arrived just as I returned from the US and has been tantalisingly glinting at me throughout the half term. I am hoping to now finally have a chance to read it. More on this to come in another post… But if you are a fan too then this might just be your sign to get a copy and read along with me.
Pick a habit that is good for you and repeat it
For me this has to be walking and having been in the heat of Dallas, my return to crisp English mornings has been something I have cherished. Whilst it is not too cold yet now is the time I like to get walking and outdoors before the Winter really settles in. The beautiful palette of late Autumn has felt even grander this season.
Now onto this week’s recipe which has just enough heat and zing to brighten up the darker evenings. Turkey feels seasonal and works well here, but you could also substitute for pork mince. It is a family favourite and I serve it as a platter with lettuce for wrapping but you can also serve with steamed jasmine rice, to stretch the dish further and make it more filling.
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Cups
500g organic turkey thigh mince
1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 carrots, peeled and very finely chopped into mini dice
6 spring onions, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal
2 cm piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated
2-4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated
1 mild chilli, de-seeded and finely diced
2-3 tablespoons low salt soy sauce
Take a large wok, or frying pan and bring up to a medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and quickly stir fry the turkey mince and finely diced carrots in the hot pan. Cook on a medium-high heat until the turkey mince is completely cooked through and starting to lightly brown at the edges. There should be no traces of pink meat. Next, add the flavour: freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, finely diced chilli and spring onion and stir fry for 2-3 minutes to bring all the flavours together. Finish with the low-salt soy sauce and finish for a final 1-2 minutes in the pan. Remove from the heat and tip into a serving dish.
Taste for seasoning and add more soy (as needed), then finish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Serve hot, alongside the crisp lettuce cups, or with bowls of steamed jasmine rice. Sweet chilli sauce and fresh lime wedges on the side.
Healthy habits
Clickable links to shop some goodies, to inspire healthy habits as we finish 2024. Products are not affiliate linked.
Lumie lights bodyclock to ease morning starts
Wild Nutrition for good quality supplements
Brora’s wrist warmers, I love these as I find gloves very restrictive to wear but always have cold hands!
Aromatherapy Associates de-stress mind roller ball
Slow Seasons, by Rosie Steer, is a book I am really enjoying. Full of creative ideas and it brings such descriptive joy to each season.
Celtic & Co’s Sheepskin slippers for ultimate coziness
Westlab’s relaxing bath salts
Le Creuset Cast Iron Casserole Dish for slow cooking and hearty food
Original Duckhead umbrella, making the British climate a little more manageable
Aesop’s hand balm which is my ultimate rescue for dry sore hands