Romaine Winter Salad
Romaine Winter Salad – This is a Haute salad item that encompasses Romaine lettuce, also referred to as Cos. Cos was the name that was given, having originated from one of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, called Cos (Kos). Traditionally, this lettuce is used in many cultures for symbolic cultural rituals (1)(2), as purification symbolism, and has great significance associated with fertility (3). Romaine lettuce is also known to aid in eye health and can naturally protect against eye disease as we age. This is a seasonal recipe that I created with some amazing complementary ingredients, such as the Winter Illinois White Crookneck Squash, grown and farmed locally at Portland Seed House gardens. This is a hearty salad paired with my favorite Pepitas as a topping and light Bergamot aromas, that will entice your senses!
Healthy Tip: Pepitas are packed with nutrient-dense minerals, contain cancer-fighting agents, and are known to promote heart, kidney, and prostate health.
Ingredients:
1 Head of fresh Romaine
A Bushel of fresh Butter Lettuce
2 Stalks of Celery (finely chopped)
A Handful of Cilantro (finely chopped, as a garnish or mixed in)
2 Cups of Illinois White Crookneck Squash (halved, de-seeded, roasted, & squash meat removed)
1 Heaping Tablespoon of Garlic (minced)
2 Teaspoons Italian Herbs (dry/fresh)
1/4 Cup of Pepita Seeds (topping)
1 Fresh Squeezed Bergamot (Juices)
Instructions: (best to have squash prepared ahead of time)
1. First, wash and pat dry produce. Set aside.
2. Next, using a large salad bowl start to tear the leaves with your hands, and toss bite-size pieces into the bowl.
3. Mix in cilantro, garlic, Italian Herbs, and top with Pepitas and juicy Bergamot aromas!
4. Stir ingredients together evenly and serve right away!
5. Can store up to 4 days in the fridge, without dressings.
Resources:
(1) Bradshaw, Paul; Hoffman, Lawrence (August 19, 2000). “Towards a History of the Paschal Meal”. Passover and Easter: Origin and History to Modern Times. University of Notre Dame Press. ISBN 9780268038595.
(2) Eisenberg, Ronald L. (2010). Jewish Traditions: A JPS Guide. Jewish Publication Society. p. 286. ISBN 978-0827610392.
(3) Smith, K. Annabelle. “When Lettuce Was a Sacred Sex Symbol.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 16 July 2013, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/when-lettuce-was-a-sacred-sex-symbol-12271795/.
Healthy Living,
Thank you for reading our blog, you can thank us by buying us a smoothie!
If you find our blog useful, kindly share it with your friends.
