Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This old-fashioned wilted lettuce recipe is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. It's a simple yet satisfying recipe that's been a family favorite for generations, and I'm excited to share it with you. This easy recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families who want a healthy and delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 head of butter lettuce, roughly chopped (about 8 cups)
Instructions:
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Crisp up the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Create the Dressing: Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. This creates the base for our delicious dressing.
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Wilt the Lettuce: Add the chopped butter lettuce to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the lettuce with the hot dressing. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the lettuce is wilted but still slightly crisp. Overcooking will result in mushy lettuce, so keep a close eye on it.
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Combine and Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon. Serve immediately. This old-fashioned wilted lettuce is best served warm.
Cooking Tips for the Best Wilted Lettuce:
- Don't Overcook: The key to perfect wilted lettuce is to cook it just until it's wilted but still retains some texture. Overcooked lettuce will be mushy.
- Bacon Grease is Key: The bacon grease adds incredible flavor to the dish. If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can use a little olive oil or butter instead, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Choose Your Lettuce: Butter lettuce is traditional for this recipe, but other tender greens like Bibb lettuce or even romaine lettuce can be substituted.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations on the Classic Recipe:
- Add Some Protein: Grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled sausage would make a great addition to this recipe.
- Cheese Please: Crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese are a wonderful combination.
- Make it Hearty: Add some cooked chickpeas, white beans, or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This old-fashioned wilted lettuce recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food can be simple and quick to make. Enjoy this easy, quick dinner idea, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I hope you enjoy this best recipe.