SALADS WITH ROMAINE HEARTS RECIPES

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: Add the vinegar, oil, honey, chipotle puree, cumin, salt and coriander to a jar, cover tightly with lid and shake until emulsified. Hold in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Makes 3/4 cup.)
• For the tostada ensalada: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the tortillas on both sides with canola oil, then place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Bake until crispy but not browned, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
• In a large bowl combine the tomatoes, cilantro, olives and romaine. Toss with the vinaigrette and season with salt.
• Evenly spread 1/3 cup of the refried beans over each tortilla. Divide the salad among the tortillas, mounding it in the center. Top with beets and 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan. Serve immediately.
• Heat the coconut oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until the spices are toasted and the garlic has softened, 1 minute. Add the pinto beans, chicken stock and chipotle puree and bring to a boil. Cook until the stock has reduced by about half and the mixture has thickened, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Off the heat, mash the beans to a smooth paste with a potato masher, leaving some beans partially mashed to add some texture. The beans should have the consistency of a thick sauce; if they're difficult to stir, they're too thick. If needed, thin the beans out with extra chicken stock, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Finish by stirring in the lime juice and adding salt to taste. Garnish with queso fresco and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Steps:

• For the balsamic dressing: In a blender, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Gorgonzola, basil, garlic, a pinch each of salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons water. Blend until the dressing is creamy and the garlic and basil are finely chopped.
• For the grilled romaine: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
• Lightly brush the cut sides of the romaine with the canola oil. Place the romaine on the grill cut-side down and cook until grill marks form and the leaves are slightly charred, 1 to 3 minutes. Arrange on a platter cut-side up.
• Drizzle the romaine with the dressing. Sprinkle with the Gorgonzola and torn basil and serve.