Grilled Radicchio with Bruleed Grapefruit
Author Notes: The bitterness of radicchio and the sour-sweetness of grapefruit make for a mutually beneficial flavor pairing. When served warm, the flavors deepen; grilling the radicchio allows it to adopt the grill's smokiness, while bruleeing the grapefruit under a dusting of brown sugar and a hot flame imparts a sense of caramel to the citrus. Add in two secret ingredients -Chinese 5 Spice and very aged Balsamic- and you've got a unique, simple, mysterious burst of flavors. —em-i-lis
Makes 6 appetizer or side portions
- 1-2 heads radicchio, cut into six 3/4" rounds (try to maintain the "steak" aspect), you won't need all of the radicchio
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
- Chinese 5 spice
- 1 large pink or red grapefruit, skin cut away, fruit cut into six 1/4" - 1/2" rounds
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- good quality, aged (!) Balsamic, for drizzling
- Prepare your grill; you'll want it at medium-high heat. Preheat your broiler to high. Brush your radicchio steaks with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dust lightly with Chinese 5 spice, and place oil- and spice-side down on the hot grill. Grill 3-4 minutes and remove.
- In the meantime, place a piece of foil on a baking sheet, put the six grapefruit rounds on it, and put 1 T brown sugar on each grapefruit slice. Place under the broiler for 4-5 minutes until sugar is melted and juices have started to run. Remove from broiler and finish bruleeing with a kitchen torch if you've got it. Otherwise you can leave the fruit under the broiler a bit longer.
- On each radicchio steak, place one bruleed grapefruit round. Drizzle with Balsamic and serve immediately.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Lettuce
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Citrus Recipe
More Great Recipes: Side Dishes|Appetizers|Vegetables|Fruit
over 4 years ago em-i-lis
Emily is a trusted source on General Cooking.
I am so flattered, sdebrango. Thank you!! I devoured two large servings of this last night. Mamma Mia!
I hope you enjoy it if you make it!
over 4 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Wow, this is incredible. I love broiled grapefruit, never would have thought to pair with radicchio. YUM, and drizzle of balsamic gilds the lilly. I really need to get a torch really want to brulee something soon.
over 4 years ago bugbitten
Gotcha, and thanks.
over 4 years ago em-i-lis
Emily is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Thank you, bugbitten!! I'd keep going with the grill...some steaks with chutney, or chicken or fish with a citrus salsa. Then again, you could use this as the salad or even a savory dessert.
over 4 years ago bugbitten
This is a real wow-at-first-sight! How do you work it into a larger meal? I mean, what follows next?