Easy Weeknight Meal ~ Thai Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps

When I'm tired from working all day, eyes weary and a bit mentally exhausted, all I want is an easy, tasty, and heart-healthy meal to fix up so I can get to the better part of my day ~ relaxing over dinner and perhaps a glass of vino.  I was beginning to feel stuck in a chicken rut on these type of days, and so I turned my attention to another lean(ish)* meat ~ none other than ground pork.

This meal is not only super easy, it's really delicious paired with a crisp white wine and a spring or summer evening.

*Look for extra lean ground pork to up the health factor, less than 17% is considered lean by most standards.

Thai Ground Pork Salad with Cilantro & Mint
Serves 4

1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 bunch fresh mint
1/2 small head of cabbage or butter lettuce, cut in half and core removed
1 lb lean ground pork
4 Tablespoons fressh lime juice
2-3 small shallots, thinly sliced lengthwise
2 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Chop the cilantro and mint leaves to measure about 3 Tablespoons each.  Peel cabbage leaves apart and place on a platter.
Stir together pork and 2 Tablespoons lime juice in a saucepan with a fork and cover with cold, salted water.  Bring to a simmer, stirring to break up the meat, and gently simmer until pork is just cooked through, about 2-3 min. 
Drain well and toss with shallots, chopped herbs, bread crumbs, fish sauce, cayenne, and remaining lime juice to taste.

Spoon the pork salad into the cabbage wedges and serve as little wraps.  Enjoy!