Is lettuce the most underrated vegetable we know? Fresh, it’s a crisp vessel for sang choi bau (just see Kylie Kwong’s wallaby version), or holds its own in a simple salad with a well-mixed dressing. Cooked? It gets even better. Try Vincent’s braised lettuce polonaise with cured egg yolk and parmesan crumb for a dinner party starter, or grilled some cos hearts and top with a rich anchovy-butter dressing. Out hot tip? Simply stir-fried with chilli and bacon. You won’t regret it.

Charlie Carrington’s cos lettuce, herb and anchovy salad

Vegetarian sang choi bau by Lau’s Family Kitchen

Gregory Llewelyn’s butter lettuce and dandelion salad with hot bacon dressing

Barnsley lamb chops with charred lettuce and peas

Pontoon’s charred lettuce with Pedro Ximénez and queso de Valdeón

Baby lettuce hearts with pistachio dressing and parmesan

Restaurant Hubert’s red butter lettuce with caper and anchovy vinaigrette

Dave Pynt’s radish and butter lettuce salad

Charred lettuce and pea salad with charred lemon dressing

Pork in lettuce cups with watermelon and bean sprouts
