How To Grill Hearts Of Romaine Lettuce

Grilling lettuce might sound unusual, but it's a fantastic way to add a smoky flavor and a delightful crunch to your salads. Grilled hearts of romaine lettuce are a popular choice for this unique cooking method. If you've never tried grilling lettuce before, you're in for a treat! Here's a simple guide on how to grill hearts of romaine lettuce to perfection.

Choosing the Right Lettuce

When it comes to grilling lettuce, it's essential to start with the right kind. Hearts of romaine are ideal for grilling because they hold up well to the heat without wilting too much. Look for heads of romaine that are fresh, crisp, and compact. Avoid lettuce that is wilted or has brown spots.

Preparing the Lettuce

Before you start grilling, it's important to prepare the lettuce properly. Begin by removing any outer leaves and trimming the root end of the lettuce. Then, slice the heads of romaine in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves. Rinse the lettuce under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Seasoning the Lettuce

Seasoning the lettuce before grilling is key to enhancing its flavor. Drizzle the cut sides of the romaine with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor.

Grilling Process

– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Place the romaine halves on the grill, cut side down.
– Grill the lettuce for 1-2 minutes, or until it develops grill marks and begins to wilt slightly.
– Carefully flip the lettuce using tongs and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.

Serving Suggestions

Once the hearts of romaine are grilled to perfection, it's time to serve them up. You can enjoy grilled romaine in a variety of ways:
– As a Salad: Chop the grilled lettuce into bite-sized pieces and toss it with your favorite salad dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
– With Toppings: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to create a hearty grilled romaine salad.
– As a Side Dish: Serve the grilled lettuce alongside grilled meats as a unique and flavorful side dish.

Final Thoughts

Grilling hearts of romaine lettuce is a simple yet impressive way to elevate your salads and side dishes. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to try something new, grilling lettuce is a fun and delicious cooking technique to master. So, fire up the grill and give this unconventional method a try – you won't be disappointed!