Escarole And Seared Radicchio Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette Recipes

Steps:

• For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F; position an oven rack in the middle of the oven.
• In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool. (The croutons will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.)
• For the escarole: Preheat a grill on medium heat.
• Cut the escarole head in half, then wash and dry. Grill the escarole cut-side down to give it a little char, about 3 minutes. (Do not flip and cook the other side. We are looking for just some of the escarole to be charred.) Set aside and let cool.
• For the warm anchovy vinaigrette: In a small saucepot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat until shimmering. Add the shallots and anchovies and cook, stirring, until the shallots have softened and the anchovies fall apart and dissolve in the oil, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes. Add the vinegar and cook, stirring, until it has reduced slightly, about 1 minute. Whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons oil.
• Cut the escarole into 1-inch pieces and put in a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette and croutons and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Cut each radicchio through the core into 4 even wedges. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Place the radicchio, cut-side down, in the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Sear the radicchio until the bottoms brown and wilt slightly, about 3 minutes. Turn the wedges over and sear the other sides, about 2 minutes more. Transfer the radicchio to a plate. Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and boil until syrupy and reduced by about half, about 1 minute. Return the radicchio to the pan and toss to glaze with the balsamic syrup. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the radicchio among 4 plates. Using a vegetable peeler, shave large pieces of cheese over the top. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a small bowl whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk in oil in a slow stream. Coarsely chop pecans and in a small shallow baking pan toast in one layer in middle of oven until fragrant and a shade darker, about 5 minutes. Immediately stir hot pecans into vinaigrette.
• Separate radicchio leaves and tear out some of white veins. Divide leaves decoratively between 2 plates (see photograph, above). Discard any discolored outer leaves from endive and cut two 1-inch sections from head. Arrange each section in center of radicchio leaves. Thinly slice remaining endive, discarding core, and sprinkle over salads. Drizzle vinaigrette over salads.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until slightly darkened and fragrant, 6-8 minutes. Let cool; crush or coarsely chop.
• Whisk vinegar, mustard, and honey in a large bowl to combine. Add escarole, radicchio, chives, and half of the pecans. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and lots of pepper, and toss to coat. Top salad with remaining pecans.
• Do Ahead
• Pecans can be toasted 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Steps:

• Mash anchovies in a small bowl. Mix in vinegar until well blended. Whisk in oil, fold in capers and season with pepper.
• Place onions in a salad bowl. Add dressing and mix. Fold in avocado, if using. Add radicchio. Gently toss salad. Divide among individual plates or serve at the table.