NOT-CLASSIC WEDGE WITH PICKLED PEPPER OLIVE RELISH AND BLUE CHEESE

Not-Classic Wedge With Pickled Pepper Olive Relish and Blue Cheese image

Provided by Eric Greenspan

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup thinly sliced lipstick peppers (preferably in assorted colors; see Cook's Note)
8 ounces slab bacon, cut into lardons (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup pitted nicoise olives, chopped
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into four 1-inch rounds

Steps:

Combine the vinegar, salt, sugar and peppers in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring, just until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Drain the peppers with a slotted spoon and transfer to a medium bowl, reserving the pickling liquid. Set aside.
Meanwhile, place the bacon lardons in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
Add the bacon to the bowl with the pickled peppers, then stir in the blue cheese and olives. Lightly dress with olive oil and reserved pickling liquid to taste.
Spoon half of the pepper relish onto a serving platter. Top with the iceberg. Spoon the remaining relish on top of the lettuce. Serve!