Hello, lovelies! Soraya Al-Assad here, ready to rock your taste buds with my latest creation: Smokey Delight – Grilled Romaine Hearts with BBQ Infusion and Tangy Lemon Dressing. Trust me, folks, this recipe is a game-changer! Imagine the vibrant crunch of romaine hearts combined with the irresistible smoky sweetness of a BBQ dream, elevated by the zesty tang of lemon dressing. It’s a symphony of flavors that will make your summer salads go from ordinary to extraordinary!
Soraya Al-Assad is a Lebanese-born food enthusiast who grew up surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of her Mediterranean heritage. With a background in interior design, she has a keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for creating visually stunning dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Soraya’s love for cooking and experimenting with flavors led her to start a food blog where she shares her recipes and tips for infusing modern twists into classic Middle Eastern dishes.
Soraya Al-Assad currently resides in the United States and grew up in Lebanon.
As a proud Lebanese food enthusiast, I draw inspiration from my Mediterranean roots to infuse a touch of authenticity and creativity into my recipes. Middle Eastern cuisine is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and communal dining experiences. Grilling is a beloved tradition in Lebanon, and we often transform humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. The Smokey Delight recipe embodies the art of grilling, taking something as simple as romaine hearts and turning them into a sensational dish that captures the essence of the Levantine culinary culture.
The roots of the Smokey Delight recipe can be traced back to the vibrant streets of Beirut, where hunger and creativity collide. This dish was born out of a desire to create something new and exciting. Grilling vegetables might be unusual for some, but let me tell you, my fellow foodies, it’s a game-changer! The idea sprung up during a family barbecue, where we experimented with different flavors and techniques. We wanted to add a smoky twist to our salad, and that’s when the idea of grilling romaine hearts came to life. It was an instant hit, and since then, the Smokey Delight has become a staple at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, sparking joy and igniting taste buds wherever it goes.
What you need
Get ready to experience a symphony of smoky flavors in every bite with my Smokey Delight: Grilled Romaine Hearts with BBQ Infusion and Tangy Lemon Dressing! Picture this: crisp romaine hearts grilled to perfection, slathered in a tantalizing BBQ sauce infusion that adds a touch of smokey sweetness. But that’s not all! I take it up a notch with a tangy lemon dressing that promises to tickle your taste buds and make your summer salads unforgettable. First, trim those romaine hearts and slice them in half, keeping the core intact for ultimate grilling goodness. Then, whip up the BBQ infusion by combining its saucy goodness with luscious olive oil. Fire up the grill, my friend, and grill those romaine hearts until they’re golden and smoky! Flip them over, just as they start to wilt, and get ready to be blown away. But wait, there’s more! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tangy lemon dressing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. It’s the perfect marriage of flavors! Finally, transfer your grilled romaine hearts to a platter, drizzle the tangy lemon dressing over them, and get creative with optional toppings like crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts. Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into this Smokey Delight and savor the deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- Romaine Hearts – Romaine hearts are the perfect base for this grilled salad recipe. They have a crisp texture and mild flavor, which pairs well with the tangy lemon dressing. If you don’t have romaine hearts, you can use regular romaine lettuce leaves.
- BBQ Sauce – The BBQ sauce adds a delicious smoky flavor to the grilled romaine hearts. Choose your favorite brand or make your own homemade BBQ sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of BBQ sauce used.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is used to brush the romaine hearts before grilling. It helps to enhance the flavors and create a slightly charred and smoky exterior.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice adds a bright and tangy element to the dressing, balancing out the smoky flavors of the grilled romaine hearts. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
- Garlic – Minced garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the tangy lemon dressing. It complements the smoky and grilled elements of the recipe. If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or reduce the amount used.
- Dijon Mustard – Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and emulsifies the dressing, creating a creamy texture. It enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the smoky grilled romaine. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use whole grain mustard or omit it altogether.
- Salt – Salt is used to season the romaine hearts before grilling and to taste in the dressing. It helps to bring out the flavors and balance the tanginess of the dressing. Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.
- Black Pepper – Ground black pepper adds a subtle hint of spiciness and complements the other flavors in the dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Optional Toppings – You can customize your grilled romaine hearts by adding additional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or diced tomatoes. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the salad.
Utensils:
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Basting Brush
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Salad Spinner – Optional. If you prefer your romaine hearts to be perfectly dry, a salad spinner can be used to remove excess water after washing.
- Serving Platter
Romaine Hearts – Crisp and Versatile Greens
Ah, the humble romaine hearts. These leafy greens are a staple in any salad lover’s kitchen, and for good reason! Not only do they offer a delightful crunch and refreshing taste, they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using them as a base for your favorite toppings or grilling them to perfection like in this recipe, romaine hearts always deliver. Now, some might argue that they lack the vibrant color of other salad greens, but fear not! Their mild flavor and sturdy yet tender leaves make them the ideal canvas for bold dressings and interesting toppings. Plus, they are packed with essential nutrients like fiber and vitamin C, making them a healthy choice for your plate. So, let’s say goodbye to boring salads and embrace the wonderful potential of romaine hearts!
BBQ Sauce – The Saucy Secret Ingredient
Picture this: smoky, tangy, and oh-so-saucy. That’s right, we’re talking about BBQ sauce! This tantalizing condiment brings a burst of flavor to any dish, and it’s the saucy secret behind our grilled romaine hearts recipe. While BBQ sauce is often associated with ribs or pulled pork, its versatility extends far beyond. With its rich combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, it adds depth and complexity to grilled foods, and the romaine hearts are no exception. Just a drizzle of this liquid gold infuses the greens with a delightful smokiness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Now, some might argue that BBQ sauce is not the healthiest option due to its sugar and sodium content. But fear not! By using a homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce and portion control, you can enjoy its mouthwatering flavors guilt-free. So, let’s embrace the saucy goodness of BBQ sauce and take our grilled romaine salad to the next level!
What to serve it with?
When it comes to serving options, one of my personal favorites to pair with the Smokey Delight is a generous portion of grilled halloumi cheese. Its salty, squeaky deliciousness perfectly complements the smoky grilled romaine hearts and adds a creamy texture to every bite. As a Lebanese food enthusiast, I hold halloumi close to my heart because it’s a staple in our cuisine. Its versatility allows it to be grilled, fried, or even eaten fresh, making it the ultimate companion to any dish. So go ahead, throw some halloumi on the grill alongside your romaine hearts, and prepare to indulge in a truly sensational and authentic Middle Eastern feast.
Summary
And there you have it, dear readers, the recipe for my Smokey Delight: Grilled Romaine Hearts with BBQ Infusion and Tangy Lemon Dressing. I hope you are as excited to try it as I am to share it with you! Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or simply looking to elevate your salad game, this dish is guaranteed to dazzle your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, give it a whirl, get grilling, and don’t forget to let me know in the comments how this smokey sensation turned out for you. Did you add any unique twists or toppings? I can’t wait to hear all about your flavorful adventures! Remember, cooking is all about creativity and making magic in the kitchen, so go forth, my food-loving friends, and savor every delicious bite of this Smokey Delight!
Here’s the recipe:
Smokey Delight: Grilled Romaine Hearts with BBQ Infusion and Tangy Lemon Dressing
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Basting Brush
- Knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Salad Spinner
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
- 4 Romaine Hearts
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- N/A Optional Toppings
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Romaine Hearts - Trim off the tough ends of the romaine hearts and discard any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Slice each heart in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.
- Step 2: Make the BBQ Infusion - In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and olive oil. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat the Grill - Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Grill the Romaine Hearts - Using a basting brush, generously brush the cut sides of the romaine hearts with the BBQ infusion. Place the romaine hearts cut-side down on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the leaves begin to wilt slightly. Flip the romaine hearts and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Prepare the Tangy Lemon Dressing - In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 6: Arrange and Serve - Transfer the grilled romaine hearts to a serving platter. Drizzle the tangy lemon dressing over the top. Optionally, you can sprinkle with additional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or diced tomatoes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
