Start by preparing the nuts. In a small, dry skillet (without oil), place the pecans. Heat over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or shaking the skillet. The goal is to lightly toast the nuts until they begin to release a strong, nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them, as they will become bitter.
Description
This is not just an ordinary salad; it is a true culinary masterpiece that delights both the palate and the eye. Grilled romaine hearts are a dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, where the cooking process brings out an unexpected sweetness and a delicate, smoky aroma from the lettuce. The crunchiness of the inner leaves contrasts with the slightly wilted and charred edges. The dish is complemented by a composition of sophisticated additions: creamy, slightly salty goat cheese that melts on the warm lettuce, crunchy, sweet pecans in a honey-butter glaze, and a bold, fruity raspberry vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together in a harmonious whole. This dish is an ideal choice for an elegant appetizer, a light dinner, or a gourmet side for grilled dishes. Its preparation is surprisingly simple, and the final effect will surely charm your guests.
Składniki (12)
- Romaine lettuce 600 g
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.5 łyżek
- Pecan nuts 80 g
- Butter 15 g
- Liquid honey 20 g
- Ser kozi 150 g
- Fresh raspberries 125 g
- Balsamic vinegar 30 ml
- Dijon mustard 5 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Coarse sea salt 4 g
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 4 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Fresh thyme 10 g
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Caramelized pecans
When the nuts are aromatic, reduce the heat to the minimum. Add butter and honey to the pan. Stir vigorously and continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the butter and honey melt and create a bubbling glaze that thoroughly coats all the nuts. Immediately transfer the nuts to a piece of parchment paper, spreading them out in a single layer. Leave to cool completely. Once cooled, they will harden and become wonderfully crunchy. You can then break them into smaller pieces.
Raspberry Vinaigrette
Now it's time for the sauce. In a small bowl, place about 100g of fresh raspberries (leave the rest for decoration). Use a fork to mash them thoroughly into a smooth, yet still seed-filled, pulp. We want to achieve an intense, natural raspberry flavor.
In a bowl with raspberry puree, add balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, 60ml of olive oil (about 4 tablespoons), a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Pour everything into a small jar with a lid. Close the jar and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until all the ingredients combine into a uniform, smooth emulsion with a beautiful pink color. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Grilling lettuce
Prepare the romaine lettuce. Cut off the tough bottom end of each head, then slice each head in half lengthwise, creating four 'hearts'. Gently rinse the halves under cold running water, fanning out the leaves. The most important step is to thoroughly dry the lettuce. Use paper towels or a salad spinner. Wet lettuce will steam instead of grill.
Preheat a grill pan or electric grill on high heat. The pan must be very hot. Brush each half of the lettuce on both sides with the remaining olive oil (about 30ml) using a kitchen brush. Then sprinkle each side with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Place the halved lettuce on a hot grill pan, cut side down. Grill for 1-2 minutes without moving, until clear, dark grill marks appear and the leaves at the edges slightly wilt. Then, using kitchen tongs, gently flip the lettuce to the other side and grill for another minute. The lettuce should be charred on the outside while still crunchy on the inside. Remove from the pan.
Serving
Immediately after removing from the grill, arrange the warm hearts of lettuce on plates or a large platter. Crumble a generous amount of goat cheese on top of each half – its warmth will cause the cheese to gently melt. Then, sprinkle everything with the previously prepared caramelized pecans. Finally, drizzle everything generously with raspberry vinaigrette.
Garnish the dish with the remaining fresh raspberries. Additionally, if using, sprinkle everything with fresh thyme leaves for an herbal aroma. Serve immediately as an elegant appetizer or a light dinner.
Fun Fact
Grilling lettuce, although it seems like a modern idea, has its roots in ancient Rome. The Romans valued romaine lettuce (named after their capital) and often served it cooked with oil and vinegar, which is the precursor to the modern grilled version.
Best for
Tips
Serve immediately after preparation to keep the lettuce warm and its center crunchy. The dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. It can also be served with sourdough bread croutons, which can be used to scoop up the delicious sauce from the plate.
This dish is meant to be consumed immediately and is not suitable for storage. Grilled lettuce quickly loses its texture. However, you can prepare the components in advance: store the caramelized nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and the raspberry vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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