Pickled Lettuce Recipes

VEGETARIAN MUFFULETTAS WITH PICKLED ICEBERG

Steps:

• First, make the pickled iceberg:
• Place the vinegar, water, garlic, sugar, fennel seeds, oregano, pimentón, and salt in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stir to dissolve the sugar and salt, and then turn off the heat.
• Working with 1 leaf at a time, place the lettuce into a large bowl and pour a little of the hot brine on each leaf as you layer them in the bowl. Pour any extra brine into the bowl. Let the mixture cool to room temperature (at this point you can cover the bowl in plastic and refrigerate it for up to a day). Once the brine cools, drain the iceberg (save the brine for another use or discard) and pat dry the leaves with a kitchen towel.
• Next, finish the sandwiches:
• While the lettuce is cooling down, stir together the olives, capers, and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
• Divide the olive mixture between the tops and bottoms of each roll. Layer each sandwich evenly with provolone, peppers, pickled iceberg, and mozzarella. Close each sandwich and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place a flat surface (like a cutting board or sheet pan) on top of the sandwiches and put something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans of beans). Let the sandwiches sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature (or a day in the refrigerator, but bring to room temperature before serving).
• Unwrap the sandwiches, cut each in half, and serve.

QUICK-PICKLED VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the pickled onions: Set the sliced onion in a small heatproof bowl. Combine the vinegar, sugar, coriander seeds (if using), salt and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high, then pour over onions. Stir to combine, let cool, then transfer onions and brine to a lidded container. Refrigerate until chilled. (Makes about 2/3 cup drained onions. Onions will keep up to 3 weeks.)
• Prepare the salad: In a medium bowl, combine the celery, carrots, olive oil, lemon zest and juice. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
• When ready to serve, add the lettuce, radishes (if using) and herbs to a large bowl, season lightly with salt and pepper and gently toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the celery and carrots to the vegetables in the large bowl, leaving the vinaigrette behind in the medium bowl.
• To the vinaigrette, add the mustard, 1/4 cup drained pickled red onions and 4 teaspoons of the pickled red onion brine and stir to combine; season to taste. Add vinaigrette to salad, toss to coat and season. Serve immediately.