France. Salad Verte features on most French menus. Its success (it is only a plate of lettuce with a dressing) depends on doing something simple well. Serve with good bread, this is important for cleaning the plate afterwards.
Lettuce in the wrong hands can be a criminal offence which is probably why salad verte is a comparative rarity in England. It is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties whilst forming the basis of several herbal preparations intended to induce sleep. Look closely at your motives before serving this dish.
The choice of lettuce is important. Cos and Little Gem work well, Iceberg does not and the bags of pre-washed greenery sold in supermarkets always seem limp. Say, one Little Gem letuce per person. For 4 to 6 people, 150 ml of oil and vinegar dressing.
Method
Leave preparation until the last minute, that way the lettuce stays crisp. Discard the outer leaves, most commercially grown lettuces are clean and there is no need to wash the inner leaves. Pull off the remaining leaves, tear them and pile them on to individual plates. Pour approximately a tablespoon (15 ml) of dressing over each plate and serve.
Comment
Don't be tempted to add embellishments.
Page Created: 23rd November 2000