There is nothing French about this recipe at all. But if you say anything with a French accent when you are not French, it makes you smile. Try it, veggie le crunch. It's funny.
There has been all sorts of on-the-go-ness going on lately. It's always something. Keeping busy is really a skill I could put on my resume, I am excellent at it. Needless to say, I am tired of protein bars, trail mix and pears. They are foods intended to be had in small doses, and my bod has been starving for vegetables. I do believe our bodies tell us what they need, and contrary to popular belief, there is such a thing as craving lettuce. I needed these wraps badly, and the 'large batch' I intended to snack on through the week, was gone by the end of the day. You can call it lack of self control, but I think it was more of a survival reflex.
VEGGIE LE CRUNCH // Serves 2
I suggest using farmers market and or organic vegetables here. When you are eating them raw like this, the genuine flavor of the vegetables is important.
6-7 Radishes, depending on size
1 1/4 Cup Black Beans, cooked and drained
1 Cucumber
1 Cup Diced Pineapple
Handful of Fresh Basil
1 Head of Lettuce (any soft green will do)
// Avocado Dressing //
You could make this vegan by using 2 tbsp. olive oil and an extra tbsp. of vinegar in place of the buttermilk.
1 Avocado
1/4 Cup Buttermilk
1 Tbsp. Honey (more to taste)
1 Tbsp. Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Juice of One Lime
Splash of Cholua/Tapatio Hot Sauce
Salt/Pepper
1. In a small blender or in a bowl, mix the avocado, buttermilk, vinegar, lime, honey, hot sauce and salt and pepper to combine. The blender will make it smooth, but a bowl and whisk will still get you a dressing consistency.
2. Use a mandoline to slice the radishes thin. Cut in fourths. Peel and halve the cucumber, scoop out the seeds and dice into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the radish, cucumber, black beans, diced pineapple and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add desired amount of fresh basil (chopped or slivered).
3. Here is where you make a decision for yourself. Hugh prefers to put the veggie mix in the lettuce leaf and dribble dressing on top. I prefer to mix my dressing with the veggies and put them in the leaf, already dressed. Six of one, half dozen of another. Except my way is probably better ;)