Perhaps I underestimated the growth of the lettuce, but those little starts I put in have done very well. The issue now is with all the heat the plants are starting to bolt. Can’t blame them for trying but if they get leggy and bitter they are not much use to me.
What to do? There are only so many salads the Student and I can eat. As of the writing of this post I’ve harvested nearly 8 lbs in the last month! So here is what I did.
Lettuce Wraps
Just make the savory meat of your choice put in the middle and enjoy! A great way to use up leftovers. These were smoked brisket wraps with Korean inspired sauce. Equal amounts soy sauce and sugar (about 1/4 cup each), a scallion, a minced clove of garlic, a splash of sesame oil, some sesame seeds and a hearty grind of black pepper. Some cilantro and scallion top as garnish.
Stir fried lettuce
Heat some oil in a pan, add the cleaned and dried lettuce, stir fry until it wilts, add a little minced garlic and ginger, perhaps a splash of fish sauce, finish with a little drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. – An interesting side dish!
Grilled Lettuce
Yes, I even grilled some – simply rinse and dry a split head, brush cut side with oil and place on hot grill. It won’t take long and you’ll have an interesting charred side dish. For the sauce I whizzed up about 1/4 cup of left over radish top soup, an avocado, the zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1/2 a lemon and about 3 tablespoons of heavy cream.
You could also puree cleaned lettuce and freeze it to add to soups or stews. Creamed lettuce would also be a possibility.
As you can see lettuce isn’t just for salads.
How do you use it up?
Until next time, Eat Well and Keep Digging!
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June 20, 2012
Have you tried Lettuce soup? I haven’t, but I imagine that it would need a lot of lettuce, which might suit your current circumstances!
June 20, 2012
I think you are right Mark – That’s on the list!
June 20, 2012
After having 36 lettuce all ready for picking at once last Summer, I started making lettuce soup that I could freeze. Lettuce and Watercress was wonderful and my favourite was Lettuce and Pea-a few frozen peas added colour and a lovely sweet element. Absolutely wonderful to pull out on the freezer and enjoy in the dark and dismal Winter months…
June 20, 2012
So that’s two votes for the soup, and I like your idea about freezing it for the dead of winter. Thank you!
June 20, 2012
that grilled lettuce looks fabulous! great work! i havent been overrun ….yet….
June 20, 2012
Thanks OFG, Nice to hear from ya! Me-thinks it is soup tonight.
June 20, 2012
I hear you on the lettuce front! While we have a small garden our lettuce is starting to bolt too. Lettuce wraps it is! Just also harvested some collard greens which I sauted last night with some water, diced apples, salt pepper and walnut oil. Nice side dish to the grilled chops.
June 20, 2012
Than does sound good Jennifer! No Collards for me this year, but the chard is doing really well!
June 20, 2012
My favourite way to use up Little Jem lettuce ( suppose any will do) is to add with courgettes to make a delicious Fish soup
June 20, 2012
Hmm, sounds interesting Anne. What kind of fish?
June 20, 2012
I have never heard of lettuce soup, how interesting. I guess I don’t normally get enough lettuce to really worry about anyway but I am going to try growing some fall lettuce this year so we’ll see. Good post.
June 20, 2012
I must say Becky, this is a first for me as well! Normally my lettuce it not nearly this prolific.
June 20, 2012
Don’t forget lettuce in a jar. You can make salads in quart (or larger) canning jars, paper towel in the bottom, and the lettuce will last a LONG time.
June 21, 2012
I’ll have to give that a try Carole! Thanks for coming by!
June 20, 2012
WOW that is a lot of lettuce.
I had lost your site and am very happy to have found it again by chance!
June 21, 2012
Yay Mrs Pickles! Welcome back!
June 20, 2012
I certainly don’t have this problem but, if I did, your grilled & sautéed lettuce dishes sound wonderful, David. Next, I’d opt for the soup but, as warm as it is right now, I’d have a hard time starting a soup, even if intended for the winter. I will give you credit, though. That lettuce bed sure does look good!
June 21, 2012
Cooked lettuce was surprising. You just have to be aware of how quickly it cooks!
June 21, 2012
My vegetable garden is so behind – it is inspiring to see yours – i save your recipes and have tried a few – thanks!
June 21, 2012
Thanks MO! Welcome back it’s been a while…