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

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!