| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 115 | 7g | 1g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 5g | 2g | less than 1g |
Imagine a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the golden state sunshine mixed with the exotic spicy aroma of Gujarat, and you’ve got yourself a plate of Roasted Celtuce with Lemon and Thyme. The first impressions of this delightful vegetarian preparation are always the crispness of the celtuce and the tangy freshness of lemons, riding on subtle undertones of thyme. But beyond the interplay of these flavors, what makes this dish stand out for me are the memories it encapsulates and the nutrition it delivers.
When California Meets Gujarat
Growing up in California, my palate was accustomed to the vibrant produce of the state. But at the same time, my Gujarati roots always craved for the comforting warmth of Indian spices. When I got married to Faisal, his love for innovative dishes encouraged my culinary creativity, eventually leading to the conception of Roasted Celtuce with Lemon and Thyme.
This dish reminds me of Gujarat’s khakhra masala, a crunchy flatbread seasoned with spices, as both these dishes share the characteristic earthiness of roasted vegetables. On the other side, the freshness of lemons takes me back to the sunny Californian picnics of my childhood where lemon-infused dishes were a staple.
A Dish as Healthy as it is Tasty
What adds to my love for this recipe is its various health benefits. Celtuce, known for its high content of vitamins and minerals, tremendously boosts our immune system. Lemons, rich in Vitamin C, not only detoxify our body but are also excellent for skin health. Using olive oil instead of traditional cooking oils gives this dish a healthier twist, while Thyme’s potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels makes the recipe even more health-friendly.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone dish or serving it alongside the traditional Grilled Rib-Eye with Sweet Tangy Hoisin Sauce, the Roasted Celtuce with Lemon and Thyme can add a distinctive personality to your meals. A delightful surprise for your taste buds and an alluring treat for the health-conscious, this recipe is a testament to the magic that can happen when cultural boundaries blur in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 3 celtuce
- 3 lemons
- 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, clean the celtuce thoroughly and trim off the ends. Slice it into half-inch discs.
Step Two
Spread the sliced celtuce evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure it’s in a single layer so it roasts evenly.
Step Three
Zest the lemons, and then squeeze the juice from them. Set the juice aside and sprinkle the zest evenly over the celtuce slices.
Step Four
Remove the thyme leaves from their stems and sprinkle the leaves over the celtuce and lemon zest. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, and then season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step Five
Put the baking sheet in the heated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the celtuce is tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven.
Step Six
Just before serving, drizzle the reserved lemon juice over the roasted celtuce. Serve warm and enjoy!
