Best Little Gem Salad With Lemon Cream And Hazelnuts Recipes

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH LEMON CREAM AND HAZELNUTS

Steps:

• Boost the Cream:
• Combine garlic and cream in a small bowl. Season with salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover and chill 1 hour.
• Go Nuts:
• Toast the hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350° oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 8-10 minutes. Let cool; coarsely chop.
• Veg Out:
• Thinly slice the carrots lengthwise on a mandoline and separate leaves from lettuce.
• Get Dressed:
• Strain the infused cream into a medium bowl and add the oil. Whip to very soft peaks, then whisk in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Bring It Home:
• Toss the carrots, lettuce, mint leaves, and half of hazelnuts with remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add a few dollops of lemon cream and gently toss to coat. Spoon remaining lemon cream onto a platter and mound salad over. Top with cheese, remaining hazelnuts, and some cracked pepper and flaky sea salt.

CHARRED LITTLE GEMS CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Add the yogurt, capers, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to a blender. Turn on the blender and slowly stream in the olive oil until combined, about 1 minute. Pour into a small dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• In a small food processor, dump the croutons and 1/2 cup Parmesan and pulse until in rough bits, then set aside for later.
• Heat a 14-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon blended oil. Once heated add the Little Gem wedges cut-side down and sear until the undersides are medium to dark brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. (Do this in batches if necessary to not crowd the skillet.)
• Add the remaining tablespoon blended oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add the red onions and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add the red wine vinegar and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet and place in a small bowl.
• Use a paper towel to wipe out the skillet, then return to medium-high heat. Add the crouton-cheese mixture and heat until warmed through and evenly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Put a spoonful of dressing on each of 4 to 6 plates and spread in a circle with the back of the spoon. Arrange 4 to 6 pieces Little Gem on each plate. Drizzle with more dressing, then sprinkle on capers, charred onion and thinly shaved Parm all over those babies. Sprinkle your warm cheesy crumbs over the top to finish.