Little Gem Wedges w/ Anchovy Dressing and Lemon Chive Toasted Panko (GF) (DF)

This unassuming appetizer caught my eye in Food & Wine Magazine, then followed through with bursts of umami flavors and lots of delicious crunch.

Ian's Gluten Free Panko delivered where some gluten free products don't: perfect texture and flavor. Using Follow Your Heart Grapeseed Vegenaise and omitting the parmesan cheese in the dressing wasn't missed at all and kept it dairy free.

Serve this as an appetizer, or even make it a meal. It's light and delicious with a hint of the sea. Enjoy the extra dressing with eggs, veggies or meats.

My Paleo Marin Rating: 4.8 Persimmons

Ingredients:

4-5 Little Gem lettuces, washed, outer leaves removed, and cut into 6 wedges each

For the Dressing:

1 cup Follow Your Heart Grapeseed Oil Vegenaise
1 (2 oz. can) flat anchovy fillets, drained, preferably Rolands
1 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Available at local markets
or here

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, preferably
1 small clove garlic, roughly chopped
Kosher salt, to taste

For the Panko:

1 cup Ian's Gluten Free Panko
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 cup finely chopped chives

Optional: Cherry tomatoes for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the lettuces and set aside.

Available at Whole Foods or
from Amazon here.

For the Dressing:

1. In a food processor, add the mayo, anchovy fillets, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic and salt. Pulse for about 45 seconds until mixture is smooth. Taste for seasonings. Put in a covered bowl in the fridge.

For the Panko:

1. In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add panko. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes just until the bread crumbs turn light brown. Spread out on a baking sheet to cool for about 10 minutes. When cool, mix in lemon zest and chives.

To Serve:

1. Using a spatula, spread the dressing on one side of the wedge. Swipe that side through the prepared panko, and place on a serving plate. Repeat with all the wedges. Serve immediately.

2. Place the extra dressing in a covered bowl in the fridge.

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine recipe here.

#paleo #nondairy #glutenfree #appetizer #salad #panko #healthyeats #littlegem

My Paleo Marin Rating 1-5 Persimmons

I try out these recipes so you don't have to (and modify them for Paleo where possible). The rating will reflect my opinion of the final result in terms of taste, ease of preparation, nutrition, and sometimes, cost.