Organic romaine hearts are known for their crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making them a popular choice in salads. However, if you’re looking to elevate your next meal with a unique dish, grilled romaine hearts are the way to go. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor and causes the natural sugars in the lettuce to caramelize, adding complexity to its taste profile. Topped with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, this dish is not only delicious but also presents an intriguing way to enjoy this organic produce.
What You Will Need:
Organic romaine hearts https://greenelly.com/product/bonipak-organic-romaine-hearts-3-ct-12-oz/ (2-3, depending on size)
Olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
Honey (1 teaspoon)
Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme, or basil, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons)
Garlic (1 clove, minced)
Parmesan cheese, shaved (optional, for garnish)
Steps to Prepare:
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The lettuce will cook quickly, so a hotter grill ensures nice grill marks and caramelization.
Prepare the romaine hearts: Rinse the romaine hearts under cold water and pat them dry. Cut the hearts in half lengthwise, leaving the end intact so each half holds together.
Grill the Romaine: Brush the romaine hearts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the leaves are slightly wilted.
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add in the remaining olive oil, whisking continuously to create an emulsion. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve: Place the grilled romaine hearts on a serving platter, cut-side up. Drizzle generously with the lemon-herb vinaigrette. If desired, garnish with shavings of Parmesan cheese.
Grilled romaine hearts with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that showcases the versatility of organic Romaine lettuce. It’s a conversation starter that will impress guests with its gourmet presentation and combination of flavors. Moreover, using organic Romaine ensures that you’re serving a dish with ingredients that were grown without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers, aligning with a health-conscious and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Enjoy this grilled salad as a standout side or a main course on a warm, sunny day!
