by Megan Winfrey

Simple and sophisticated describe this week's recipe to a T. Instead of making the same, albeit delicious salad you've been making with all of that gorgeous romaine, try this recipe and I guarantee you'll feel like you're at a nice restaurant. The flavors are complex yet bright, and it's so easy to make that I did it in about 5 minutes with a 9 month old on my hip. It doesn't get much better that that, now does it? Enjoy!

Charred Romaine with Crispy Onions

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, outer leaves trimmed
• 1/4 cup sliced onion
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 4 tbs. olive oil
• half a lemon
• salt and pepper
• parmesan cheese

Add a generous amount of salt and pepper to the flour. Dredge the onion slices in the flour to coat. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium high heat. When the oil begins to smoke, add the onion slices. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown then set them aside on a paper towel to drain.

Using your gas burner or grill, spray a bit of cooking oil onto the grate and start a low flame. Place the bunch of romaine right over the flame and cook until char marks form, about 3 minutes on each side.

Immediately plate the romaine and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Pile the crispy onions on top and finish with a generous sprinkle of lemon juice.