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Tempeh Lettuce Cups with Tamarind Sauce

Name: Tempeh Lettuce Cups with Tamarind Sauce
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 packs of organic tempeh (cut into small cubes); 2 cups blended fresh ripe pineapple or 1 cup pineapple juice; 1 cup juiced (drained from the blended pineapple); 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 4 Medjool dates (smashed into a paste); 1 teaspoon chili sauce (optional); 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoked paprika; 1 green apple (seeded and cubed); 1/2 cup carrot (julienned); 1 cup red bell pepper (julienned); 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds; 2 heads of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (leaves individually removed)

By Dada Shivananda

This recipe combines tempeh cubes with apples and red cabbage salad, served in a crisp lettuce cup alongside a delicious galette. The dish is composed of three parts: the Galette, the Tempeh and Apple mix, and a tangy Tamarind sauce that ties everything together for a special occasion.

Tempeh is made from cooked organic soya beans and fermented with Rizoporous Oligoporus. Baked, sautéed, or grilled, tempeh offers a healthy alternative as a plant-based protein source. Often referred to as “vegetarian meat” in Indonesia and various parts of Asia, it is celebrated for its nutritional benefits.

The French traditionally prepare Galettes using buckwheat flour, eggs, and milk, serving them with butter and grated Emmental cheese, layered with sliced tomatoes and fresh corn. In this recipe, a healthier vegan substitute is provided by using buckwheat cereal, olive oil, and salt, along with the addition of coconut milk to elevate the galette.

Lastly, the Tamarind sauce offers an exceptional blend of tanginess and sweetness. Combined with the tempeh, apples, and red cabbage, this sauce enhances the overall flavor profile, resulting in a wholesome and memorable meal. Learn how to assemble this beautiful combination below.

You will find the recipe for the Tamarind sauce on page and for the easy Buckwheat Galettes on page .

Nutrition Benefits: Tempeh is a cholesterol-free source of complete protein, comparable to meat products. It is rich in B vitamins, fiber, iron, calcium, and other essential minerals. Additionally, it contains isoflavones—powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that help improve blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote bone health.