thai beef pitas

prep time:  15 minutes
cook time:  10 - 12 minutes
servings:  4

ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
2 medium-size sweet red peppers - seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic - chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup cilantro - chopped
3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 whole wheat pita pockets
8 romaine lettuce leaves

steps:
1.  crumble beef into large nonstick skillet; cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for 5 -6 minutes or until browned.  spoon off excess fat.

2.  add peppers, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet.  cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 5 - 6 minutes or until peppers are softened.

3.  meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together cilantro, peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce and sesame oil.  stir into beef mixture.  remove from heat.

4.  cut pitas in half and line insides with lettuce leaves.  fill each with about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture and serve.

- family circle