6 ounces thick-cut bacon
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
20 medium scallions (about 12 ounces)
3 hearts of romaine lettuce (about 12 ounce)
10 ounces fresh green peas
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for roasting
Preheat the oven to 350º F. Arrange the bacon slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with sugar and paprika. Bake until caramelized, for about 25 minutes. Let the bacon cool completely (the bacon will crisp as it cools) and then cut it into 1/2-inch pieces. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, crème fraîche, buttermilk, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
To prepare the vegetables, rinse the scallions and pat dry. Rinse the romaine and pat dry. Discard the outermost leaves and chop off the top 2 inches of the romaine head. Cut each heart of romaine in half lengthwise, making sure that the root keeps each piece together. Preheat the broiler. In a bowl, toss the peas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large sheet pan in one layer, and broil until the peas are lightly browned, mixing occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Place the peas in a small bowl and set aside. Place the scallions on the same sheet pan in one layer, lightly brush with olive oil, season with salt, and broil for about 4 to 5 minutes, until lightly charred. Transfer the scallions to a cutting board or work surface and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Cut the scallions into 3/4-inch pieces. Lightly brush the romaine pieces all over with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Broil the romaine on the sheet pan until lightly browned in spots, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer the romaine to a work surface and let cool for about 2 to 3 minutes. Chop the romaine into 1-inch thick strips. Discard the roots. In a large bowl, toss the peas, scallions, romaine, and bacon. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.