Killed Lettuce: A Flavorful Appalachian Delight 🍽️
If you think salads are just a collection of raw veggies, it’s time to change your perspective! Killed lettuce, a cherished dish from the Appalachian region, is making waves on social media—and for good reason. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms everyday greens into a warm, indulgent treat that you might find yourself craving!
What is Killed Lettuce?
Touted as an Appalachian staple, killed lettuce (or "kilt lettuce") has been recently showcased across platforms like TikTok, attracting millions of views. Originally shared in Allrecipes by a member named shann, this family recipe hails from the North Carolina mountains. It’s typically accompanied by pinto beans and cornbread, creating a comforting southern meal.
Ingredients 🥗
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 4-6 strips |
| Green onions | 4-5 chopped |
| Lettuce | 1 head, chopped |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
How to Make Killed Lettuce
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Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the strips and let them drain on paper towels, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
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Sauté Onions: Add the chopped green onions to the hot bacon grease and sauté briefly to release their flavor.
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Combine: Pour the hot onion and bacon grease mixture over the chopped lettuce. Toss everything together until the lettuce is slightly wilted.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor!
Why is it Called Killed Lettuce?
The name might sound off-putting, but it’s simply a reference to the wilting effect of hot bacon grease on the lettuce leaves. Rather than becoming soggy, the greens become tender and flavorful, making for a deliciously unique salad experience.
My Experience with Killed Lettuce
Curious to try this dish, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. The sizzling sound of hot grease hitting fresh lettuce was mesmerizing! The result was a salad reminiscent of a classic wedge but with a flavor profile that was unmistakably rich, thanks to the bacon and green onion combination.
To elevate the dish further, I added some crumbled blue cheese and paired it with a perfectly cooked ribeye steak. The result? A delightful steak dinner that I will be making again!
Don’t forget you can also serve killed lettuce alongside pinto beans and cornbread for a true southern feast!
Give this recipe a shot at your next meal or potluck, and prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary! Enjoy! 🎉