Grilled Romaine With Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe
In July I had my very first Farm-to-Table pop up with TreeTop Journey! If you haven’t heard of TreeTop Journey, they organize amazing outdoor events that host Upstate Supper Hikes and weekend camping trips. The best part, it includes a chef prepared seasonal five-course dinner menu made with organic ingredients which is prepared on location. In addition, they had an awesome blue pickup van that picks you up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and transports you to the destination. How cool and convenient is that?
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We were fortunate with the weather on the day of my Supper Hike, which fell on a Saturday with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80’s. We arrived at Nyack State Park, unloaded our car, and set up on tables nestled in the woods by a towering cliff. The sight was absolutely breathtaking. As we wore settling in, I put together a menu with a focus on plants and this particular recipe was a hit with the guests, so I’m featuring it on Victoria’s Earth Kitchen.
Grilled Romaine
There are multiple reasons why grilled romaine is an amazing dish:
Flavor Enhancement: Grilling brings out a smoky, charred flavor that adds depth to the romaine’s naturally sweet and slightly bitter taste. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the lettuce, making it more flavorful.
Texture Contrast: Grilling gives romaine a crisp-tender texture. The outside gets a nice char, while the inside remains fresh and crunchy, creating a satisfying contrast.
Simplicity: It’s a quick and easy way to elevate a simple ingredient. Just a few minutes on the grill can transform romaine into a gourmet side dish.
Versatility: Grilled romaine can be customized with various toppings and dressings. It pairs well with a range of flavors, from a classic Caesar dressing to a tangy vinaigrette or even a sprinkle of cheese and nuts.
Nutritional Benefits: Romaine lettuce is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. Grilling it doesn’t significantly alter its nutritional value, so you still get the health benefits while enjoying a new flavor profile.
Overall, grilled romaine is a tasty, versatile, and healthy option that can complement many meals.
I paired the grilled romaine with a drizzle of vegan Caear dressing, which, in my opinion, is the best vegan Caesar I’ve ever had. However, I’ll let you be the judge. I decided to use peaches as the seasonal produce to complement the dish. To give it some texture, I chose roasted unsalted hazelnuts and roughly chopped them. In terms of herbs, I had micro basil and dill flowers. To make the dish stand out, I added edible flowers for a finishing touch and a vibrant pop of color.
Chef’s Tip
Be sure to get the pre-washed romaine. From my experience, grilling washed romaine results in a soggy and wilted texture, whereas grilling already pre-washed romaine lettuce makes it nice and crisp. This is definitely the desired outcome.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that romaine lettuce was highly favored by ancient Egyptians? Romaine lettuce has been grown since ancient times and was highly prized by the Egyptians for its healing qualities and sleep-inducing abilities. It was even utilized in religious ceremonies and as a representation of fertility. So, when you enjoy a crisp romaine salad today, you’re partaking in a tradition that dates back thousands of years!
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