Experience a unique twist on traditional salads with Grilled Hearts of Romaine, a dish that elevates the flavor
and texture of this crisp lettuce. Grilling imparts a smoky essence to the romaine hearts, transforming
their character and creating a delightful contrast to the cool, crunchy interior.
Choosing the Freshest Romaine Hearts:
Start with selecting the freshest romaine hearts available. Look for tightly packed, crisp leaves, ensuring
optimal freshness and a sturdy base for grilling. Rinse and pat them dry to prepare for the grilling
process.
Preparing Romaine Hearts for Grilling:
Trim the ends of the romaine hearts and slice them in half lengthwise. This exposes the inner layers and
allows for better absorption of flavors during grilling. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil, salt,
and pepper to enhance the grilling experience.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Char:
Grill the romaine hearts on a preheated grill for a few minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a slight
char on the outer leaves while maintaining a crisp texture within. The grilling process imparts a smoky
flavor and a subtle sweetness, transforming the romaine into a savory delight.
Flavorful Marinades and Dressings:
Enhance the Grilled Hearts of Romaine experience by experimenting with flavorful marinades or dressings.
Consider a balsamic glaze, lemon vinaigrette, or a tangy Caesar dressing to add depth and complexity to the
grilled romaine. Brush the hearts with these before grilling or drizzle them on after cooking for an extra
burst of flavor.
Creative Toppings and Additions:
Customize your Grilled Hearts of Romaine with creative toppings. Add cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, or shaved
Parmesan for a burst of freshness. Bacon bits or grilled shrimp can bring a savory element, making the dish
more substantial and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions:
Grilled Hearts of Romaine can be served as a standalone appetizer, a unique side dish, or even as a base for a
heartier salad. Arrange the grilled hearts on a platter, drizzle with additional dressing, and garnish with
herbs for an elegant presentation.
Grilled Romaine for Warm Salads:
Explore warm salad options by grilling the romaine hearts and combining them with grilled vegetables, nuts,
and your favorite protein. The slightly wilted leaves create a comforting and satisfying salad that’s
perfect for colder seasons.
Experimentation with Grilled Romaine Variations:
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations of Grilled Hearts of Romaine. Whether adding a touch of
smokiness to a classic Caesar salad or incorporating Mediterranean flavors, the versatility of grilled
romaine opens the door to a world of culinary creativity.
Grilled Hearts of Romaine Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Grilled Hearts of Romaine Recipes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients For Grilled Hearts of Romaine Recipes
3 romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided, or as needed
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, or to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
Instructions: Grilled Hearts of Romaine Recipes
Step 1: Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Step 2: Brush each romaine lettuce half with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.
Step 3: Cook romaine hearts, cut-side down, on the preheated grill until the cut-side is slightly caramelized but the inside is still cool and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer lettuce, cut-side up, to a platter. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over lettuce and drizzle balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, and 2 tablespoons olive oil over the top.
Please don't rate if you did not follow the recipe. Charcoal grilled, as written...very good. Steamed in a George will be soggy...duh.
It turned out great! My dinner guest were very happy with the taste and texture.
So simple and tastes great. I didn't have any sherry vinegar, so didn't use that. And I only sprayed some olive oil on them prior to grilling, nothing after they were done. I purchased this Cauliflower Jalapeno Cilnatro dip by Open Nature that I topped it with and it was AMAZING!!!
The recipe didn’t mention that the hard bottom of the romaine needs to be intact.i had to use cooking twine to keep it together. I added a little Ken’s Lite Ceasar Dressing to the recipe dressing that cut the vinegary taste,
This is a perfect, summer side dish!! While I am not 100% sure if I loved-loved the balsamic vinegar on it, I am scoring 5 stars because this basic, awesome recipe will be repeated....even if I might (might!) just do S&P + Parmesan cheese next time. Maybe try blue cheese crumbles once? I also like the idea of the broiler for the winter months! Thank you!!
Made just as directed and it was wonderful. Had bought a large package of organic romaine hearts at the local warehouse store and had lots to use up. Both times we made steaks on the grill and grilled while steaks were resting. Great alternative to the usual Caesar salad. Easy, easy, easy! Definitely a new favorite.
Been making this for years. Great recipe!
All Nutrifacts of Grilled Hearts of Romaine Recipes
✅Q: How do I choose the best Romaine hearts for grilling?
Opt for tightly packed, crisp Romaine hearts with fresh-looking leaves. Look for ones with vibrant color and minimal browning for the best grilling experience.
✅Q: What's the key to preparing Romaine hearts for grilling?
Trim the ends and halve the Romaine hearts lengthwise. Brush with a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance the grilling process and impart a smoky flavor.
✅Q: How long should I grill Romaine hearts for the perfect char?
Grill Romaine hearts for a few minutes on each side over medium heat. Aim for a slight char on the outer leaves while maintaining a crisp texture within. This process enhances the smoky flavor.
✅Q: Can I use different dressings for Grilled Hearts of Romaine?
Absolutely! Experiment with various dressings like balsamic glaze, lemon vinaigrette, or Caesar dressing. Brush the hearts before grilling or drizzle after cooking for added flavor.
✅Q: Are there creative toppings to enhance the grilled Romaine experience?
Customize your dish with creative toppings like cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, or shaved Parmesan. Consider adding bacon bits or grilled shrimp for a savory and satisfying touch.
✅Q: How should I serve Grilled Hearts of Romaine?
Serve as a standalone appetizer, a unique side dish, or as a base for a hearty salad. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with dressing, and garnish with herbs for an elegant presentation.
✅Q: Can I try warm salads with grilled Romaine hearts?
Certainly! Experiment with warm salads by combining grilled romaine with vegetables, nuts, and protein. The slightly wilted leaves create a comforting and satisfying dish, ideal for colder seasons.
✅Q: How can I get creative with Grilled Hearts of Romaine variations?
Don't hesitate to experiment! Add smokiness to a Caesar salad or incorporate Mediterranean flavors. The versatility of grilled Romaine opens doors to culinary creativity.
