Whether you’re vegan or looking to add more meatless meals to your menu, we’ve got a great one that you’ll be happy to have again and again.

What makes this meal so fantastic is that it includes a pulse. Pulses are a superfood that you’ve probably never heard of. They include dry peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils and are fantastic for your hair and your health.

This recipe focuses on green split peas which are packed with protein and fiber, both are vital to long, lush and strong hair. They also feature iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and B vitamins. All of these are great for hair growth and strength and fueling the scalp to do its job efficiently.

We want to pay particular attention to the B vitamins that are plentiful in green split peas because a vitamin B deficiency can lead to hair loss.

Another reason pulses should become a more familiar food in your home is that they give you a significant antioxidant boost. Even more so than their better-known counterparts, berries, and pomegranates. Antioxidants bind with free radicals that attack the body when they’ve bonded the free radicals are prevented from doing damage.

This recipe makes the most of the green split pea pulse but there are many other hair-friendly ingredients packed into these powerful little lettuce cups.

Vegan Thai lettuce cups

Ingredients for green split pea filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 garlic cloved, minced

¼ cup tamari

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 cup green split peas

3 cups water

For serving:

1 head butter lettuce

Shredded carrots, chopped cilantro and fresh lime slices for garnish

Directions:

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the onions, carrots, and celery for about five minutes or until softened. Add the ginger and garlic spices and continue to saute for another minute. They should start to give off a pleasant fragrance.

Stir in tamari and maple syrup along with the split peas and water. Bring to a boil and lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the split peas are tender. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Check the package for specific instructions. 

Remove the lid and stir well to check the consistency. The filling should not be watery. Let it rest for about five minutes before spooning into lettuce cups.

Garnish and enjoy!