Grilled Lettuce with a Green Tea Infusion
Elevate your lettuce game beyond salads! This grilled preparation transforms humble lettuce into an elegant dish.
Experience lettuce like never before! This recipe turns ordinary lettuce into a sophisticated culinary delight. The subtle aroma of green tea, the richness of olive oil, and the savory kick of Parmesan cheese create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, perfect as an appetizer or a gourmet side.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head of fresh lettuce
- 1 green tea bag
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pinches of salt
- 2 pinches of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pour hot water into a bowl. Using boiling water will yield better results.
Step 2
Steep the green tea bag in the hot water for about 10 minutes to create a fragrant green tea infusion. This step imparts a delicate, sophisticated flavor to the lettuce.
Step 3
After 10 minutes, the green tea should be well-infused. Remove and discard the tea bag.
Step 4
Add enough cold water to the green tea infusion to make it lukewarm, ensuring the lettuce will be fully submerged. This step balances the tea’s tannins and helps tenderize the lettuce.
Step 5
Wash the lettuce thoroughly. Cut it in half vertically, keeping the core intact. This will help the lettuce hold its shape during cooking.
Step 6
Submerge the cut halves of the lettuce into the green tea bath, ensuring they are fully covered, and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This infuses the lettuce with a subtle green tea essence and enhances its tender texture when cooked.
Step 7
Remove the lettuce from the green tea water and gently pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the lettuce steam rather than grill. Place the lettuce halves, cut-side up, on an oven-safe baking sheet.
Step 8
Brush the surface of the lettuce generously with olive oil. The olive oil adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear.
Step 9
Grill in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned and the lettuce is tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 10
Arrange the grilled lettuce attractively on a serving plate. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
