Warm little gem salad with ranch dressing

For the dressing, put the egg yolks in a food processor with the garlic, mustard powder, the juice of ½ a lemon and a pinch of salt. Turn on the processor, then pour in the oil in a very slow, steady trickle until combined. Spoon into a bowl, then stir in the herbs and crème fraîche. Season, adding more lemon juice if needed. Cover and set aside in the fridge.

In a large bowl, toss the little gem halves in the oil and season. Gently heat a lidded heavy-based pan, then add the butter. Arrange the lettuce halves in the pan, cut-side down, and fry over a medium-high heat until golden (4-6 minutes). Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and cook for a further 1 minute. Pour in the stock, thyme and chilli flakes, cover with a lid (or baking tray) and simmer for 2 minutes. Uncover, add the lemon juice, then simmer to reduce the stock until almost completely evaporated (about 5 minutes). Transfer the braised lettuce to a serving dish, spoon over the reduced stock, scatter over the croutons and dollop with the ranch dressing.