Red Lettuce, 500 g

Red Lettuce Overview

Red lettuce is a vibrant leafy green that adds color, crunch, and nutrition to various dishes. Known for its tender leaves and slightly bitter flavor, it is often used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The leaves have a striking reddish-purple hue, indicating the presence of anthocyanins, which are beneficial antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Red Lettuce

1. Rich in Nutrients: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, essential for eye health, skin health, and blood clotting.
2. Low in Calories: A great option for weight management, as it is low in calories but high in water content.
3. Supports Digestion: High fiber content aids in digestive health and regularity.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
5. Hydrating: The high water content keeps the body hydrated and supports skin health.

Nutritional Value (per 100g of Red Lettuce)

• Calories: ~15 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2.9g
• Protein: 1.4g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Vitamin A: 7416 IU
• Vitamin C: 9.2 mg
• Calcium: 36 mg
• Iron: 0.9 mg

How to Eat Red Lettuce

• Raw in Salads: Use as a base for salads or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.
• Wraps: Use whole leaves to wrap fillings like meats or vegetables.
• Juices and Smoothies: Blend with fruits and other greens for nutritious drinks.
• Cooked: Lightly sauté or stir-fry for a different texture and flavor.
• Garnish: Use leaves as a garnish for dishes, adding color and nutrition.

Full Detailed Recipe for Red Lettuce Salad with Citrus Dressing

Ingredients

• Red Lettuce: 200g, torn into bite-sized pieces
• Cherry Tomatoes: 100g, halved
• Cucumber: 1 medium, diced
• Red Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
• Feta Cheese: 100g, crumbled (optional)
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
• Honey: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the torn lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately as a refreshing side or main dish.

5 Indian Recipes with Red Lettuce

1. Red Lettuce Raita

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 150g, chopped
     • Yogurt: 1 cup
     • Cucumber: 1 small, grated
     • Green Chilies: 1, chopped
     • Salt: To taste
     • Cumin Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
   • Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve chilled.

2. Red Lettuce and Chickpea Salad

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 200g, torn
     • Chickpeas: 1 cup, boiled
     • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
     • Tomato: 1, diced
     • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
     • Salt: To taste
   • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl, toss well, and serve.

3. Red Lettuce Curry

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 200g, chopped
     • Onion: 1, finely chopped
     • Tomato: 1, pureed
     • Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
     • Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
     • Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
     • Oil: 2 tablespoons
     • Salt: To taste
   • Instructions: Heat oil, sauté onion, add ginger-garlic paste, tomato, spices, and finally red lettuce. Cook until wilted.

4. Red Lettuce and Quinoa Bowl

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 150g, torn
     • Quinoa: 1 cup, cooked
     • Bell Pepper: 1, diced
     • Corn: 1/2 cup
     • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
     • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
   • Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and serve.

5. Red Lettuce Wraps with Spiced Paneer

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 8 large leaves
     • Paneer: 200g, crumbled
     • Onion: 1, chopped
     • Green Chilies: 1, chopped
     • Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
     • Salt: To taste
     • Oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Instructions: Sauté onion and chilies in oil, add paneer and spices, cook briefly, and serve in lettuce leaves.

5 Non-Indian Recipes with Red Lettuce

1. Red Lettuce and Avocado Salad

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 200g, torn
     • Avocado: 1, diced
     • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
     • Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
     • Salt: To taste
   • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently to serve.

2. Mediterranean Red Lettuce Wraps

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 8 large leaves
     • Hummus: 1 cup
     • Cucumber: 1, sliced
     • Bell Pepper: 1, sliced
     • Feta Cheese: 100g, crumbled
   • Instructions: Spread hummus on lettuce leaves, fill with veggies and feta, then roll up and serve.

3. Red Lettuce and Apple Slaw

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 150g, chopped
     • Apple: 1, julienned
     • Carrot: 1, grated
     • Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
     • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve chilled.

4. Pasta with Red Lettuce and Garlic

   • Ingredients:
     • Pasta: 200g, cooked
     • Red Lettuce: 100g, chopped
     • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
     • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
     • Parmesan Cheese: 50g, grated
   • Instructions: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add cooked pasta and lettuce, toss with cheese before serving.

5. Red Lettuce Smoothie

   • Ingredients:
     • Red Lettuce: 50g
     • Banana: 1
     • Almond Milk: 1 cup
     • Honey: 1 tablespoon 
   • Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve chilled.

Red lettuce is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!