Cabbage Wedges With Warm Pancetta Vinaigrette Recipes

Steps:

• Start the coals or heat a gas grill for medium direct cooking. Make sure the grates are clean.
• Discard any discolored outer leaves from the cabbage, cut it into 8 wedges, then trim the stem a bit but leave enough on to keep the wedges together. Brush the cabbage on all sides with 2 tablespoons of the oil.
• Put the cabbage on the grill directly over the fire, cut side down. Close the lid and cook until the bottom browns, about 5 minutes; turn and cook the other side. Transfer to a platter.
• While the cabbage is grilling, put the pancetta in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it renders its fat and the meat crisps, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the vinegar and remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and whisk to combine; taste and add some salt and pepper. (You can make the vinaigrette up to a day ahead; refrigerate and gently reheat it before using.) Pour the hot dressing over the cabbage wedges and serve.
• Variations
• Cabbage Wedges with Warm Bacon-Cumin Vinaigrette: The classic combination: Substitute diced thick-sliced or slab bacon for the pancetta and add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds along with the vinegar.
• Cabbage Wedges with Apple Cider-Caraway Vinaigrette: Lose the meat: For the vinaigrette, whisk together 1/2 cup good-quality olive oil, 3 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. No need to heat it up.
• Ketchup and Soy-Glazed Cabbage Wedges: Sweet and salty: Omit the vinaigrette. Instead of olive oil, brush the cabbage with a mixture of 1 tablespoon each good-quality vegetable oil and sesame oil. Combine 2 tablespoons each ketchup and soy sauce and 1 tablespoon each rice vinegar and minced fresh ginger and whisk until combined. Just before taking the cabbage off the grill, brush the glaze on top, close the lid, and cook for a minute; turn and repeat with the other side.

Steps:

• Vinaigrette -- Make Ahead. Add the onion, sugar, vinegar, mustard to a blender and puree until smooth. Slowly add in the olive oil and continue to blend until you get a creamy dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to make this ahead and store in a small jar or tupperware container. Then just shake before serving.
• Bacon -- I also make this ahead to save some time. Simply add the chopped bacon to a small saute pan on medium heat and slowly start to cook the bacon. There should be enough fat in the bacon, so no oil or butter is necessary. Saute until the bacon is crisp. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Set to the side until you are ready to make the cabbage. I like to make mine a day ahead and store in a small ziplock back in the refrigerator.
• Cabbage -- First, remove any soft or old outside leaves from the head and then cut in wedges. I usually will get 6-8 wedges per head (depends on the size). Melt the butter, I did mine in a small glass in the microwave. Brush the cut sides of the cabbage with the melted butter and season well with salt and pepper.
• Grill -- This can be done on a charcoal, gas or even an inside grill. Grill each side approximately 5 minutes. You want a bit of a char, but not too long; you want the cabbage to still be a bit crispy.
• Serve -- Top each cabbage wedge with the onion vinaigrette and bacon bits. This is absolutely delish! ENJOY!