Crunchy Salad With Garlic Croutons

Freshly marinated mushrooms with lettuce and homemade croutons. A tasty side dish for 4 from Charmaine Solomon's Complete Vegetarian Cookbook. Despite the number of steps it is surprisingly easy.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  slices  whole grain bread
• 1  garlic clove, crushed
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 125  g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2  tablespoons wine vinegar
• 4  tablespoons  salad oil
•  salt & pepper
• 1  cos lettuce, washed, dried & torn

Directions

1. Croutons:
2. Preheat oven to 180c.
3. Trim crusts from bread & cut bread into small cubes.
4. Gently fry garlic in the olive oil without browning.
5. Toss, stir or shake so that all surfaces come in contact with the garlic oil.
6. Place on a foil lined tray & bake for about 8 minutes or until a pale gold color.
7. Remove & allow to cool & crisp.
8. Salad:
9. Combine vinegar & oil, salt & pepper & marinate the mushrooms for a few minutes.
10. Place the lettuce into a salad bowl, add the mushrooms & dressing, then toss well.
11. Add your garlic croutons and toss again.
12. Serve immediately.