Servings: 6
Ease of Preparation: Medium
This recipe is part of the One BIG Recipe: Vegetarian Dinner [1]
RADICCHIO SALAD WITH ARUGULA PESTO AND RED GRAPES
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (180 ml) pine nuts, divided
Arugula Pesto:
- ½ bunch parsley, chopped leaves
- 2-3 cups (240-710 ml) loosely packed (pre-washed) arugula
- 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ – ½ cup (60-120 ml) olive oil
- ½ lemon
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Grilled Treviso Radicchio:
- 6 small or 3 large heads treviso radicchio, halved through the base
- Vegetable oil, for grilling
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) seedless red grapes, halved, to serve
Special Equipment:
- Food Processor
- Grill
Method:
Add pine nuts to a tray, place in the oven. Set a timer for 5 minutes, or until just toasted.
Remove the pine nuts from the oven, set aside to cool completely at room temperature. Remove nuts from pan and transfer to a plate to prevent carry-over cooking. Reserve for the pesto and for serving.
For the Arugula Pesto:
Add parsley and arugula to the food processor.
Pulse to decrease volume.
Add garlic and ¼ cup (60 ml) toasted pine nuts (cool), season with salt and pepper.
Pulse to a fine chop.
Blend and add olive oil to make a smooth paste.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in the juice of ½ lemon, and grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour a bit more olive oil over top to make a barrier and refrigerate until needed.
For the Grilled Treviso Radicchio Salad:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the radicchios with vegetable oil, season with salt and pepper.
Place the radicchio on the grill and press, cut-side-down, and grill for about 1 minute, until well charred on the outside and crisp-tender throughout.
Set aside to cool at room temperature. When cool to the touch, refrigerate to cool completely.
To Serve:
Brush the grilled, chilled radicchio with arugula pesto, making sure it gets in between the leaves.
Arrange on six small plates, 2 halves per person.
Top each plate with halved red grapes and a generous sprinkle of pine nuts.
Serve Immediately.