Pic of Minted braised Little Gems

Minted braised Little Gems

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Minted braised Little Gems

Starter Serves 4 35 min
Little Gem's a miniature, crisper and sweeter version of Cos. It retains a bit of crunch when braised, but gains a whole new nutty flavour. If you throw a handul of frozen peas or broad beans in at the last minute and eat this with rice, pearl barley or spelt, it becomes a delectable and healthy vegetarian dinner. It's is also good served with lamb.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • ½ tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 Little Gem lettuce
  • 2 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves shredded
  • 50ml chicken or vegetable stock, or use white wine
  • salt and pepper

Method

Prep time: 5 min
Cooking time: 30 min

  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4.

  • Step 2

    Put the sugar, vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water in a small pan. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat.

  • Step 3

    Remove and discard any damaged outer leaves from the lettuce. Place the lettuce in an ovenproof dish with the half the mint, stock and sugar/vinegar syrup and season well. Cover and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the lettuces are tender. Scatter over the remaining mint to serve.