Chicken Bánh Mì

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Note: Diakon is a Japanese radish that looks like a large parsnip. It can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores, but if you can't find it, just substitute with extra carrots. From Meredith Deeds.

Pickled vegetables:

• 1/2 c. shredded carrots

• 1/2 c. shredded daikon radish

• 2 tbsp. unseasoned rice wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp. sugar

• 1/4 tsp. salt

Chicken filling:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 lb. ground chicken

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp. fish sauce (also called nam pla or nuoc nam, available in Asian section of supermarket)

• 2 tsp. Sriracha

• 1 tbsp. sugar

Sriracha mayo:

• 1/4 c. low fat mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp. Sriracha

Sandwiches:

• 4 small hero rolls or 1 baguette cut into quarters and split

• Fresh mint leaves

• Cilantro leaves

• Jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional

Directions

To make the pickled vegetables: In a bowl, toss together the carrots, daikon, vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt, and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Drain in a colander.

To prepare the chicken filling: Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, breaking up lumps with the back of a spoon, for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, fish sauce, 2 teaspoons Sriracha and 1 tablespoon sugar and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

To prepare the Sriracha mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Sriracha.

To assemble sandwich: Spread the mayo on both sides of roll or cut baguette. Divide the meat among the rolls. Top with the pickled vegetables, mint, cilantro sprigs and jalapeño, if using.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories400Fat14 gSodium1,070 mg

Carbohydrates47 gSaturated fat3 gTotal sugars12 g

Protein22 gCholesterol65 mgDietary fiber2 g

Exchanges per serving: 2 starch, 1 carb, 2 medium-fat protein, 1 fat.