Paleo Cinco De Mayo Dinner
Latin-inspired food has always been second on my list, to Italian cuisine that is, because I love the freshness of cilantro, the zing of lime, and the warmth of the savory flavors and spices. I wanted to share this simple menu for a Paleo Cinco de Mayo dinner, one that has served me and my family well since we have all stopped eating corn, legumes, and nightshades for our digestive health.
Cue the Latin Dinner Party playlist (with lots of Buena Vista Social Club) and start prepping!
CABBAGE SLAW
1 GREEN OR RED CABBAGE
HANDFUL OF CILANTRO
JUICE OF 2 LIMES
SEA SALT TO TASTE
2 TBSP OLIVE OIL
CHOP THE CABBAGE INTO QUARTERS, AND REMOVE THE THICK STEM BY CUTTING THE QUARTER ON A DIAGONAL. THEN, SLICE THE CABBAGE AS THINLY AS POSSIBLE (OR USE A MANDOLIN IF YOU HAVE ONE). ADD THE SEASONING, AND LET IT SIT SO THE FLAVORS INCORPORATE. YOU CAN ACTUALLY MAKE THIS AHEAD, SINCE IT TASTES EVEN BETTER THE NEXT DAY.
FORBIDDEN RICE
2 CUPS OF WATER, 1 CUP OF FORBIDDEN (DARK PURPLE) RICE.
1 TBSP REFINED COCONUT OIL
PINCH OF SALT
SIMMER FOR 45 MINUTES WITH COCONUT OIL AND SALT TO TASTE.
BEEF WRAPS
WRAP MADE WITH RICE, BEEF, GUACAMOLE, AND CREMA (FOR THOSE WHO TOLERATE GRAINS AND DAIRY).
WRAP MADE WITH GUACAMOLE, BEEF, CABBAGE SLAW, AND BROKEN PLANTAIN CHIPS (DAIRY FREE AND GRAIN FREE).
NUCO TURMERIC COCONUT WRAP
GRASS FED GROUND BEEF, COOKED LOW AND SLOW WITH TURMERIC, OREGANO, AND SALT
ARUGULA OR BUTTER LETTUCE FOR BITE
GUACAMOLE (NIGHTSHADE FREE!)
2-4 AVOCADOS
DICED CILANTRO
JUICE OF 1-2 LIMES
SEA SALT TO TASTE
MASH THE AVOCADO, ADD THE DICED CILANTRO, LIME JUICE AND SALT. PAIR WITH YOUR FAVORITE PLANTAIN CHIPS (WE LOVE THE TERRA ONES, COOKED IN COCONUT OIL).
GRASS FED YOGURT CREMA (FOR THOSE WHO TOLERATE DAIRY)
1/2 CUP GRASS FED WHOLE MILK YOGURT
JUICE OF HALF LIME
PINCH OF SEA SALT
SPRINKLE WITH A DASH OF TURMERIC
COMBINE THE INGREDIENTS IN A SMALL SERVING BOWL AND FINISH WITH THE TURMERIC TO GIVE IT A SWIRL OF COLOR AND FLAVOR.
So, are you inspired to recreate these dishes? They are so flavorful and simple because the lime juice, cilantro, and salt bring out the flavors of each vegetable. When you take a bit of the wrap, your taste buds will be bombarded with the warm smokiness of the meat, the crunch of the slaw, the creaminess of the guac, and pretty soon you won't miss Chipotle burritos like you used to. Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends!