| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 11g | 2g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 5g | 0.30g |
Each mouthful of the Stir-fried Miner’s Lettuce with Garlic carries the essence of the Rocky Mountains. I tend to be biased towards wholesome and unpretentious dishes, and this one is exactly that – an earthy medley of fresh miner’s lettuce and aromatic garlic, peppered with a smorgasbord of fresh fruits and a generous gloss of olive oil.
An Ode to Miner’s Lettuce
Living in Colorado, I’ve always been intrigued by miner’s lettuce, an underrated but incredibly nutritious green. The early miners in California originally ate it to prevent scurvy. This powerhouse plant packs high levels of vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, making this recipe not just beneficial to your palate but also to your health.
The Harmony of Flavours
Not only is the Stir-fried Miner’s Lettuce with Garlic a nutritionally robust dish, but its harmonious marriage of tastes is absolutely divine. The miner’s lettuce offers a subtle earthiness, while the garlic lends a warm, spicy note. The addition of fruits like cherry tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and blueberries elevates the flavour profile further; their natural sweetness balances the savoury components beautifully.
This vegetable dish reminds me of a classic spring vegetable stir-fry, but with a summery, fruit-filled twist. Eaten as is, it’s a flavorful, fulfilling meal. However, it also pairs splendidly with something heavier. For example, it would provide a fitting contrast to a rich game meat like venison, or a pan-seared trout dish.
A Culinary Storyteller
Beyond the flavors, what truly endeared this recipe to me is the story baked into it. The miner’s lettuce is a humble reminder of the region’s history, while the fusion of fruits and vegetables is a testament to the bountiful produce of the mountains. Gordon, my partner, insists that it’s the memory infused into this recipe that makes it taste even better. And I couldn’t agree more.
The Stir-fried Miner’s Lettuce with Garlic is more than just a recipe, it’s a gastronomical journey that peels back the layers of local lore, innovative ingredients, and the affections of home cooking, all bundled into one delicious package. Try it and get a taste of the Rocky Mountains in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of miner’s lettuce
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced strawberries
- 1 cup of sliced peaches
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by washing your miner’s lettuce thoroughly under cool running water. Once clean, pat dry with a clean towel and set aside.
Step Two
In a large pan, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add in your minced garlic and stir around until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, it should only take about 30 seconds.
Step Three
Add in the miner’s lettuce to the pan. Using a spatula, stir it around to evenly distribute the garlic and oil. Sauté the lettuce until it is slightly wilted, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step Four
While your lettuce is sautéing, start slicing your strawberries, peaches, and if necessary, your cherry tomatoes. You want to make sure all of the fruit is roughly the same size so it cooks evenly.
Step Five
Once the lettuce has wilted, add in your sliced and prepped fruit along with the blueberries. Continue to stir everything together ensuring to mix well. This should be done for 3-4 minutes, just until the fruit starts to soften.
Step Six
Season your stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. So, start with a smaller amount and add more if necessary.
Step Seven
Once everything is mixed well and cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Your Stir-fried Miner’s Lettuce with Garlic is now ready to serve and enjoy!
