This is one of the meals I made for myself towards the end of my stay in Maui. Determined to keep grilling, I dug through the refrigerator and tried to gather what was left. I love when I’m running low on food and still, something delicious can come out of it.
I was introduced to grilled romaine a couple of years back and have to say its one of my favorite things. Its a salad that usually only wants 3 ingredients max. The smokey warm flavor of the romaine is enough to sustain itself, but then you add a bit of crumbled cheese, a creamy dressing, perhaps even some sun dried black olives and what you have is so out of this world, you’d swear you were in a 5 star gourmet restaurant.
On this day I worked with what I had and it was good. So so good. The cannellini’s are part of a typical nightly meal for me. I usually make them this way and place them over gluten free rice with a side of sauteed kale. On this particularly tropical evening, I paired them with something new and used the beans as the dressing. Divine.
::Grilled Romaine::
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
1. Wash head of romaine as much as possible without separating the leaves too much. The let drain a bit, drying it as much as possible.
2. Mix oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder together. I don’t have measurements here. Make just enough to brush over the entire head of romaine and then sprinkle a bit more of each over the romaine when you’re done brushing.
3. Place on a grill at about medium flame. Everyone is different in their preferences. I like to leave the romaine on the grill until there is some browning on the outer leaves. Make sure to turn the romaine so that each side gets a chance to grill a bit. The outer leaves will be wilted and a bit brown. The inside will remain raw.
4. Place on a long lovely plate and set aside.
::Cannellini Beans::
1 can organic cannellini beans in water
1 Tbsp dried oregano
3 large cloves of garlic, minced
olive oil
salt
pepper
1/4 chopped fresh cilantro
1. In heated sauce pan pour enough oil to coat the bottom, and then saute the garlic until it begins to just barely brown.
2. Pour in the entire contents of the can of organic beans. Stir to mix. Keep at a simmer.
3. Add the oregano and stir, adding the salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place lid on pan and simmer for about 10 minutes stirring on occasion and monitoring the heat. You don’t want the beans to burn or lose to much of its moisture.
5. When beans are done pour beans over the grilled head of romaine and then sprinkle the cilantro over the the beans.
This dish serves 2 or makes for one hearty meal. I like to take a large knife, sometimes my santuko and quickly cut through the head of romaine, slicing it as much as possible and then right there on the table mix the lettuce and beans together and eat. There are really a million variations to dressing a grilled head of romaine, and I’m going to try to get Mr. Jon Brown to fix the grill we have here at the cabin to make some more.
Happy eating!
OMGoodness!! What an awesome surprise. Seriously…I would have never thought to grill romaine lettuce…but seeing it here…I wish I could have some now!
You are my priestess of the kitchen…you know that Elena, right?!?!
*blushes* Oh stop!
Wow! What a great idea! I've never grilled (or even thought to grill) romaine lettuce before but I bet it tastes delicious! Glad I found your blog 🙂
I would not be able to stop eating that grilled romaine. Great idea to add cannellini beans for some protein.
Absolutely gorgeous. That picture is amazing and makes me want to crawl right through the monitor and eat.
Wow! Please do! 🙂
This seems really fascinating! Grilled lettuce. Heh.
I know right? Who would have thought?
First time I see grilled lettuce about 3 years ago, I was shocked but I love it now, this recipe of grilled romaine lettuce with beans looks so delicious.
What a nice idea to grill romaine lettuce!!!
I'm in germany right now and they are always grilling. I'm vegetarian so I always have to think about things to grill for me and usually it's corn…next time I will try your recipe!
Thanks for sharing…
Mika,
I spent the Summer experimenting with grilling while in Maui. I grilled romaine, tofu kabobs, zucchini, fruit for dessert, polenta rounds, and all sorts of veggies. The possibilities for a vegetarian are really endless, you just need to get creative. Let me know how it goes!
So simple but yet so flavorful and filling. I loves dishes like this. Cannellini and romaine sound like such a perfect pair.
So simple but so flavorful and filling. I really enjoy dishes like this. Cannellini and grilled romaine sound like such a perfect pairing.
Beautiful looking grilled dish, love the romaine prepared this way!
Wow this looks good…. the flavors pair so beautifully, very nice 🙂
Elena I am enchanted with your blog…wow and wow…!!
I am glad we met.
You are so creative 🙂
Griselda! Thank you so much, and my friend, YOU YOU YOU are the one that is so creative. You have inspired a whole new dimension to my doll making. Blessings!