Iceberg Lettuce: This Week's Market Report Good Buy
The culinary world is not short on innovation or creativity. We see new trends, unique ingredients, and “elevation” on a daily basis. Of course, I’m personally invested in what’s new and exciting, but there are classics for a reason. Iceberg lettuce, this week’s Good Buy, is one that I’ll never let go of. There is just something about an Iceberg wedge salad adorned with chopped egg, bacon, capers, and gilded with house-made ranch dressing. Don’t pretend it’s even better with designer greens, because it’s not. And iceberg is also gorgeous on the grill, dripping with olive oil, kosher salt, and chili flakes. The leaves become slightly charred and that slight sweetness concentrates, and it makes for a lovely, inexpensive side dish that is affordable and full of flavor.
Iceberg lettuce is also delicious shredded and tossed into classic Chinese stir-fries, and the natural liquid it releases helps deglaze the wok and cooks down into a luscious sauce. Lastly, iceberg is a perfect option for fermenting because of its ability to absorb other flavors so well. Replace cabbage with iceberg lettuce for a beautiful take on kimchi that is perfect as a garnish for noodles, tacos, and barbecue. Of course, subbing out that burger bun for a stack of crisp iceberg is not only health-forward, it’s refreshing, and lovely for gluten-free diners.
About the Chef
Stephanie Goldfarb is a Chicago-based chef and national food television personality specializing in seasonal, globally-inspired cuisine. Recognized as the winner of Food Network’s America’s Best Cook competition, and a celebrity chef on Kitchen Inferno and NBC’s Food Fighters, Goldfarb delivers unique and relatable culinary experiences to discriminating and casual diners alike. As the owner of the successful Seven Species Supper Club & Catering, she enjoys the challenge of building brand new menus each month that inspire both repeat clients and newcomers, and seeks opportunities to utilize new ingredients, techniques, and approaches in accessible ways.