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1
Thoroughly wash your lettuce by first rinsing under running water, making sure to direct the stream of water into the head, between the leaves (especially if you are using whole heads of baby romaine). Since you are not completely separating the leaves, take the extra step of filling a large bowl with water (plus the distilled vinegar, if desired) and vigorously swish the lettuce heads (or halves if using standard heads). If using vinegar, let the lettuce sit in the water for two minutes. One at a time, pick out each lettuce head from the water and transfer to a colander. Rinse each head (or half) under running water and then gently squeeze before letting them drain stem end pointing up.
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2
In a bowl or one-cup pyrex measure, combine the coconut milk, lime juice and fish sauce. Stir well to mix. Set near your stove.
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3
Heat the oil over medium heat in a deep saute pan or Dutch oven wide enough to fit all of the lettuce heads or halves. When hot, add ginger and cook until fragrant, stirring, about 30 seconds. Carefully add the lettuce heads or halves one at a time; if using halves, place cut side down. By the time you have nestled the last piece into the pot, go back with tongs and carefully flip each piece over. Pour coconut milk mixture over the lettuce and cover the pot. Turn down the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Put your timer on - 12 minutes for baby heads and 15 for standard halves.
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4
When half of your time is remaining, use tongs to flip the pieces. Re-cover and let simmer for the remaining cooking time. Using tongs, transfer cooked lettuce pieces to a wide serving bowl and spoon some of the coconut milk and ginger over the pieces.
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5
Use a mortar and pestle to crush your peppercorns. Heat ghee in a small skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add peppercorns (they should sizzle) and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to let mixture burn, and turning down heat if necessary.
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6
Carefully pour garlic pepper mixture evenly over lettuce pieces in the serving bowl. Serve and enjoy.
