The Gourmet Mama

If you have ever thought that lettuce is boring, it might be time to add a little something to it. Forget what you know about this leafy green vegetable and let’s take a look at how you can really kick it up a notch with grilling.

That’s right, grilled lettuce. We’re so used to lettuce being a raw vegetable that it can be difficult to picture using it any other way. I recently made some quick and easy grilled lettuce for my family and it turned out wonderfully.

If you have an outdoor grill, you can prepare the lettuce on this, but I just used a simple frying pan.

Grilled Lettuce

Makes 8 servings

1 head of iceberg lettuce

salt and pepper

oil

Heat a little oil (just enough to cover the bottom) in a frying pan over high heat. You want it to be extremely hot so the lettuce cooks rapidly without wilting.

Remove the soft outer leaves of the lettuce, about two or three. Cut the lettuce in half and then cut each half into four pieces. Season the cut sides lightly with salt and pepper.

When the oil is very hot, but not smoking, lay your lettuce wedges carefully in the pan. I found it easiest to do two at a time. Let it sear for about 1 minute and turn carefully so you don’t lose leaves. Again, cook for 1 minute or until browned and remove.

You can serve the lettuce hot or cold, as you prefer. I let some chopped red pepper cook around the lettuce and served it with that as an accompanying side dish.