Weekend Snack: Braised Romaine Lettuce Crostinis
My first introduction to cooked lettuce was at a Vietnamese restaurant a few years back. It was floating in my pho – buttery, snappy and delicious and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was. Must be some kind of exotic eastern leafy vegetable, I thought?
I had never even considered cooking lettuce before that moment, but it’s actually not that uncommon at all. The Chinese get down with cooked lettuce a lot (usually blanched or stir-fried). It’s also fairly popular in French cuisine (sautéed in butter or stuffed like cabbage would be) and even Italian dishes (sautéed and tossed with pasta and cheese).
Now, I love me some raw lettuce just as much as you do, but something truly magical happens when you cook it. Its entire flavor profile changes, transforming from green and unassuming to savory, luscious and fulfilling. There’s a subtle sweetness to it, and when braised, the greener ribbons will brown to the point of crispy perfection. Its stalks will stay watery and snap lettuce butter in your mouth. Hands down, divine.
Okay, so just to clarify: It’s not slimy. And it’s nothing like the sweaty lettuce on a sandwich that’s been sitting under an umbrella at the beach all day. If you think of it like you would any other cooked leafy green, it’s much easier to imagine. Better yet, it’s the difference between raw vs. a caramelized onions.
Aside from being absolutely delicious and the perfect weekend small bite/snack, the reason I chose to share this braised romaine crostini with you is because you’ve probably got all the ingredients to make it (or some variation of it) in your fridge right now! I love when that happens. With the exception of salt, pepper and olive oil, it only calls for three simple ingredients – romaine lettuce, cheese and bread.
Then you just fold the pretty things in half and place them atop your toasted bread and cheese! They’re great piping hot, but just as good at room temperature if you want to make a bunch to put out for friends. This is one of those snacks you can just throw together and feel really satisfied by – hope you enjoy!
Braised Romaine Lettuce Crostinis
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
Ciabatta or peasant style bread
Goat cheese or another soft mild cheese
Coarse sea salt
Cracked black pepper
Olive oil
Instructions
Thinly slice bread and lightly toast. Set aside.
Wash a few firm, green romaine leaves. Dry thoroughly.
Cover bottom of pan (cast iron is best if you have one) in olive oil. Set burner to medium high. When oil is slick and hot, place up to 3 romaine leaves on the pan and apply pressure to the stalks (not leafy areas) so they get maximum contact. Do this for a couple minutes then flip the leaves, salt and pepper generously, cover pan and let cook 2 more minutes. Cook uncovered for last minute and remove from heat when browned to perfection. Place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Spread cheese across crostini and fold one romaine leaf in half and place it on top (stalk side down).
Enjoy hot or at room temp.
Thank you for sharing, Gabrielle!
Honest Fare
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(Images: Gabrielle Arnold of Honest Fare)