German Lamb’s Lettuce Salad is very popular in German restaurants and homes during winter. It pairs perfectly with balsamic, vinaigrette, or honey mustard dressing. Typical toppings include walnuts, pomegranate, figs, fried duck, and bacon cubes, my favourite way to serve it. Let’s explore the possibilities, and I will share my favourite recipe with you at the end.
Table of Contents
Recipe
German Winter Salad with Lamb's Lettuce and Bacon
- 200 g lamb's lettuce or corn salad
- 100 g bacon cubes
Dressing
- 1 tsp mustard
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- sugar optional
- Whisk together mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. As soon as they combine add olive oil very slowly and keep on whisking. Season with sugar if needed.
- Wash the lettuce and remove excess water from it. I use a salad spinner for that.
- Cut the bacon into small cubes and fry them for about 3 minutes over medium heat. I use non-stick-pan without any fat. I prefer my bacon crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you like your bacon cubes crispy then fry them for a bit longer.
- Mix the salad with the dressing. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Place the salad on the plate and cover it with some bacon cubes.
- Serve immediately.
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What is Lamb's Lettuce?
Lamb’s Lettuce, a winter classic in Germany, is known for its unique, slightly nutty flavour. It’s a vegetable that tolerates frost well and is one of the few cultivated in Germany during the cold season, primarily in Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The European origins of Lamb’s Lettuce can be traced back to Sardinia and Sicily. The genus includes about 80 species in Eurasia, North Africa, and North America, with the most recognized being the typical Lamb’s Lettuce (Valerianella locusta).
Lamb’s Lettuce is not just a tasty addition to your meal, it’s also highly nutritious. Packed with vitamin C, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and iron, it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that benefit skin and eye health, support the nervous system, and promote blood formation.
After purchasing Lamb’s Lettuce, it is best to use it quickly, as it lasts only about two days in the refrigerator.
How to Wash Lamb's Lettuce
To wash Lamb’s Lettuce, first, remove any spoiled leaves. Then, wash the Lettuce in cold water. Given that it can be sandy, it’s wise to repeat the washing several times, or you can soak the Lettuce for a few minutes in cold water before rinsing it again. Make sure to check that no sand or soil remains. After washing, spin the Lettuce dry using a salad spinner and carefully remove any remaining sand at the base of the leaves with a small knife.
How to Store Lamb's Lettuce?
Proper storage of Lamb’s Lettuce is crucial to maintain its freshness and texture. To prevent the leaves from becoming mushy, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in the refrigerator. Remember, it’s best to avoid placing the salad in an airtight container, as moisture should be able to escape from the packaging.
How to Serve German Lamb's Lettuce Salad?
Due to its slightly nutty flavour, Lamb’s Lettuce pairs wonderfully with walnuts, hazelnuts, or chestnuts. Cheeses like goat cheese or Camembert also complement the salad well. You can also include other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, and fruits like apples, figs, and oranges.
Here are some serving ideas:
– Fried bacon cubes
– Fried duck breast slices
– Walnuts and orange slices
– Walnuts and pomegranate
– Paprika cubes and shredded carrots
– Goat cheese and figs
German Lamb's Lettuce Salad Dressing
My favourite Lamb’s Lettuce Salad dressing with bacon is balsamic, but French vinaigrette also works wonderfully. When serving Lamb’s Lettuce with other ingredients, honey mustard dressing is a great choice. Be sure to add the salad dressing shortly before serving to keep the salad fresh for longer.
Tools that might come in handy
Storage & Reheating
After purchasing Lamb’s Lettuce, it is best to use it quickly, as it lasts only about two days in the refrigerator. When the salad is ready, you need to eat it immediately.
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