Minted braised Little Gems

Name: Minted braised Little Gems
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4

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.