Lunch: Grilled Romaine Salad with Asparagus, Romesco, and Farm Egg

Recipe by Jamie Bissonnette It's easy to overlook a bowl full of wilted greens at a barbecue where there are so many other dishes vying for your attention. Not if you sear the romaine, though, as Jamie Bissonnette of the Boston restaurant Coppa does.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Romaine Lettuce, Asparagus

Health benefits of Grilled Romaine Salad with Asparagus, Romesco, and Farm Egg

Romaine lettuce contains chromium, which helps maintain normal blood glucose levels by making insulin more efficient. The chromium in romaine lettuce also promotes weight loss due to its ability to help control cravings, reduce hunger, and control fat in the blood.

Asparagus stands out as a superfood for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting many women of reproductive age. This nutrient-dense vegetable offers a myriad of health benefits that align perfectly with the dietary needs of those managing PCOS, making it an essential addition to their diet.

Rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, asparagus is particularly high in folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and has significant levels of chromium—a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This is particularly beneficial for women with PCOS, as they often experience insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and potentially contributing to weight gain and metabolic complications. By improving insulin sensitivity, asparagus can help manage these symptoms more effectively.

Furthermore, asparagus is a great source of dietary fiber, which plays a key role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar, offering another layer of support for insulin resistance. Additionally, the high fiber content in asparagus can aid in weight management, an important aspect for those with PCOS, as maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the severity of the condition's symptoms.

Asparagus also contains a unique compound called inulin, a prebiotic that promotes digestive health by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall health and can have a positive impact on the management of PCOS by improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and possibly even hormonal balance.

Incorporating asparagus into the diet can be both easy and delicious. It can be grilled, roasted, steamed, or added to salads, omelets, and stir-fries. Its versatility and nutritional profile make asparagus an invaluable superfood for those looking to manage PCOS symptoms through a healthy and balanced diet. By contributing to better insulin sensitivity, weight management, and digestive health, asparagus offers a natural way to support the body in dealing with the challenges of PCOS.

Ingredients

1 head romaine lettuce
6 spear asparagus
2 eggs
1/4 c. chickweed, claytonia, or baby pea greens
2 tbsp. Marcona almonds
1 tbsp. pickled red onions
salt
Pepper
olive oil
3 tbsp. Romesco (recipe below)

Instructions

Make romesco: Cook onions in 1 cup olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook until tender. Add peppers, and cover with a lid, cooking until completely soft. Add tomatoes and stew for 45 minutes on low heat, covered with a lid. Add almonds, cook 10 minutes. Purée in blender, adding the rest of the olive oil, the vinegar, and pepper to taste. (You can make the romesco ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.)
Cut the romaine in half lengthwise, and season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill the romaine until lightly charred, but still raw in the interior.
Peel the asparagus from the tip to the base, saving the peels. Blanche the peels in salted boiling water until tender, and shock in an ice bath. Place peels in a blender with 4 ice cubes and a dash of salt and pepper, blending on high until smooth, then reserve.
Season the asparagus stalks with salt, pepper and olive oil and grill until tender.
Fry eggs sunny side up in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Cut the core from the romaine, and slice the asparagus. Arrange on a plate with the red onions and almonds. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of romesco (reserve the rest for another use; it makes a great dip) over the vegetables and on the plate. Top with fried eggs. Looking for vegetable recipes? Try our best asparagus recipes, eggplant recipes, or zucchini recipes.

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