Crunchy Romaine Toss

Ingredients and Weight:

• Romaine lettuce: 1 large head (about 800-900 grams)
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil: 1/3 cup
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, shaved or grated
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Clean and dry the Romaine lettuce, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
4. Add the lettuce pieces and toss to coat with the oil mixture.
5. Spread the coated lettuce pieces onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the shaved or grated parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the lettuce start to crisp and brown slightly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (based on the ingredients listed)
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fibre: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Crunchy texture from the roasted lettuce.
• Savory flavor from the combination of garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
• Great as a side dish or even as a light meal with a salad dressing of choice.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was so refreshing and different from regular lettuce salads. The crunchy texture was a pleasant surprise!"
2. "The combination of flavors was spot on. The parmesan cheese added a nice rich flavor to the dish."
3. "This dish was perfect as a side to my grilled chicken. The texture was so crispy and the flavor was delicious."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use a high-quality parmesan cheese for best results. Grating it fresh from a block is ideal.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• Be careful not to overcook the lettuce, as it can become too crispy and bitter. Keep an eye on it during baking.