Meatless Monday - Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps and Chilled Corn and Basil Soup

These delicious lettuce wraps were inspired by the appetizer at P.F. Chang's. The flavors come very close, but these are much healthier and lower in sodium. Careful - they're kind of addictive!

Vegetarian Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Dipping Sauce

About 6 oz. soy crumbles (I used Quorn brand but Lite Life is another favorite)
1 medium onion, diced
1 small can water chestnuts, diced
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1 carrot, grated
1/3 cup (plus a little more to taste) of your favorite soy marinade (Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki or Chinois Grilling & Roasting Glaze from Williams Sonoma)
1 tsp. fresh lemongrass, minced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbs. sweet chili sauce
Sprinkle of salt to taste
2 tbs. canola oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 medium head of Boston/Butter, Iceberg or Romaine lettuce, washed and leaves separated

In a skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat and saute onion and garlic until it begins to soften. Season with a touch of salt. Add water chestnuts, followed by cabbage and carrot. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add soy crumbles and lemongrass. Cook for another 3 minutes, then add marinade, sesame oil, and chili sauce. Cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Serve warm inside cool lettuce leaves and top with dipping sauce - recipe follows.

Sweet Chili and Soy Dipping Sauce

3 tbs. sweet chili sauce
2 tbs. tamari or soy sauce
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1/8th tsp. chili-garlic sauce

Mix all ingredients together - you can adjust the sweetness or spiciness to taste. Serve with lettuce wraps.

Beverage Suggestion

Dr. Loosen 2008 Riesling (under $10!) or a Japanese beer such as Sapporo

Farm Fresh Corn and Basil Soup

4-6 ears fresh corn nibblets sliced off the cob (or about 3 cups defrosted frozen sweet corn - but since corn is in season I encourage you to buy from a local farm)
2 cloves garlic
5-6 large fresh basil leaves (more to taste)
1 tsp. salt or to taste
1 tsp. ground pepper or to taste
2 1/2 cups soy creamer (I used Trader Joe's brand)
2 1/2 cups Imagine brand No-Chicken broth

In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasons to your likening. If it's too thick for you, add equal amounts of soy creamer and broth until it's thinned out. Serve cool, and if you want, top with a dollop of creme fresh, sour cream, or tofutti sour cream (to keep it vegan).