Romaine-inspired Tuna Boats

Often, the hardest thing to wrap your mind around when starting a SIBO-safe diet is the “no bread” conundrum. Gluten or not, bread shows up often (if not in every, single meal) for much of the population. What in the world could possibly take its place?

Enter Romaine, one of my top bread replacements. True, all large-leafed green leafy vegetables can be used to wrap, layer or stuff toppings into and on. Swiss chard and collard greens are two others that come to mind. But as far as I’m concerned, Romaine rules.

Romaine lettuce is crisp and juicy, with just the right hint of saltiness and a trace of sweet. It enhances the experience of any sandwich made with bread, and as a stand-alone, is a perfect foil for fillings of all ilk. Romaine is also incredibly easy to digest, especially when compared to leafy greens in the Brassica family such as kale (watch out!) or even collards.

Think Romaine in place of sushi wrapper, taco shell or tortilla and proceed as usual. Or, if you’re eating nut butters, try this: spread a tablespoon of almond butter, peanut butter or tahini down the soft centerline of a fresh romaine leaf. Drizzle with honey, fold the sides over to make a packet and then munch. You’re in for a sweet surprise!

The photos on this page showcase Romaine lettuce in action today, playing the role of Boat in a quintessential summer luncheon favorite: Tuna Boats. (The term “tuna” is used loosely here: these green boats are actually stuffed with salmon salad, made with natural mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, scallions and dill.) Just use your favorite tuna (or salmon) salad recipe and you’re in business.

Note: Even though it’s not bad enough for the Dirty Dozen, always buy organic Romaine. Lettuce is one of the most heavily sprayed vegetables in the supermarket. Bon appetit!

Tuna Boats with Timi Hendrix, world's sweetest lunch buddy.