Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing

Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish. The combination of butter lettuce, shallots, and a tangy dressing creates a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe for Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing has been a favorite for many years. The combination of butter lettuce and shallots has been a classic pairing in French cuisine for centuries. The addition of a simple vinaigrette dressing brings out the natural flavors of the lettuce and shallots, creating a dish that is both elegant and delicious.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of butter lettuce (2 small heads)
2 tbsp of wine vinegar
1 tbsp of dijon mustard
2 tbsp of minced shallots
0.25 tbsp of salt
7 tbsp of oil
red-leaf lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Arrange 3 to 4 red leaf lettuce leaves on each of 6 plates.
Separate butter lettuce into individual leaves and distribute them on each plate.
Mix vinegar, mustard, shallots, salt, and oil together.
Blend the mixture well.
Spoon the dressing equally over each salad.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try adding crumbled blue cheese or toasted nuts to the salad. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or mustard in the dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing this dish, be sure to wash the lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. It is also important to dry the lettuce completely before assembling the salad, as excess moisture can make the dressing watery. Additionally, be sure to mix the dressing well to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to mix the dressing well and evenly distribute it over the salad. Be sure to toss the salad gently to coat the lettuce leaves without crushing them.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have butter lettuce, you can use any other type of lettuce or mixed greens. You can also substitute red wine vinegar for the white wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The salad can also be assembled a few hours in advance, but be sure to dress it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make this salad more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or shaved Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing contains approximately 18 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Butter lettuce is a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and iron. Shallots are rich in vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and may not be suitable for those with mustard allergies.

Summary

Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Butter Lettuce with Shallot Dressing is a simple and delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion. With its light and refreshing flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt's house for the summer. My aunt was known for her amazing cooking skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to try out. This particular day, she was making a butter lettuce salad with shallot dressing.

I watched in awe as she carefully selected the freshest butter lettuce leaves from the garden and washed them with care. She then began to chop up the shallots, mincing them finely before combining them with a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful dressing. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As my aunt plated the salad and drizzled the dressing over the top, I could hardly contain my excitement. The first bite was like a burst of flavor in my mouth - the crispness of the lettuce paired perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the dressing. It was a culinary experience unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I begged my aunt to teach me how to make the salad, and she happily obliged. She walked me through each step, explaining the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare them with care. I watched her hands move with precision as she chopped, stirred, and plated the salad, taking mental notes of every detail.

After that day, I made the butter lettuce salad with shallot dressing countless times. It became a staple in my own cooking repertoire, and I would often serve it to friends and family who were always impressed by the flavors and textures. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I could recreate a dish that had once seemed so complex and out of reach.

Over the years, I honed my skills and experimented with different variations of the recipe. I added toasted nuts for crunch, fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor, and even a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Each time I made the salad, I thought back to that summer day at my aunt's house and the magic of discovering a new recipe that would become a cherished favorite.

As I grew older, I continued to seek out new recipes and cooking techniques, always eager to expand my culinary knowledge. I learned from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met in my travels, each one sharing their own unique twist on a classic dish. I collected recipes like precious treasures, storing them in a worn recipe book that was filled with memories of meals shared and lessons learned.

But the butter lettuce salad with shallot dressing remained a constant in my repertoire, a reminder of where my culinary journey had begun. It was a dish that never failed to impress, a simple yet elegant creation that spoke to the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen now, preparing the salad once again for a family gathering, I am filled with gratitude for all those who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish has added a layer of richness to my life, a connection to the past and a promise of future culinary adventures.

As I take a bite of the butter lettuce salad with shallot dressing, I am transported back to that summer day at my aunt's house, where a simple recipe sparked a lifelong passion for cooking. And I smile, knowing that the love and joy I put into my food will always be the secret ingredient that makes every dish truly special.