GRILLED CUCUMBERS WITH TOMATO-CARDAMOM DRESSING AND MOZZARELLA
Grilling cucumbers gives them a nice charred flavor while retaining their bite. Try to buy Persian cucumbers that are thicker as the thin ones can often be too flimsy to cook. Torn mozzarella adds richness to the cucumbers doused with a garlicky, spiced tomato dressing. (Feel free to cook the cucumbers on an outdoor grill, treating them in the same way.) If you're into creamy cheeses, then burrata works very well here, too - or, you could keep this dish vegan by leaving out the mozzarella completely. It will still have a wonderful umami flavor without it. Make this a complete meal by serving alongside your protein of choice.
Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi
Categories dinner, lunch, vegetables, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Start with the dressing: Add the tomatoes, oil, garlic, miso, bay leaves, cardamom shells and seeds, paprika and a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt to a large (lidded) sauté pan. Place over medium-high heat, give everything a good stir and leave it, uncovered, until it starts to bubble gently.
- Once bubbling, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover with the lid and cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring once, until the tomatoes have burst and start to release their juices. Turn down the heat if necessary; you want the garlic to soften without taking on color, and you want the tomatoes to not completely disintegrate. Stir in the lime juice and set aside.
- Heat a grill pan over high, and ventilate your kitchen well.
- Halve the cucumbers lengthwise then use a small spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Slice each halved cucumber lengthwise into 2 equal pieces, then transfer the cucumber quarters to a bowl and toss with the oil, ½ teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper. When the grill pan is very hot, grill them in batches, cut sides down, for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them over and grill for 1 to 2 minutes more. You want nice grill marks and for the cucumbers to soften but still retain a bite. (You don't want any floppy cucumbers.) As they're ready, immediately transfer to the tomato pan, stirring to coat in the dressing.
- Once they're all grilled, stir the cilantro into the pan and transfer the mixture to a large serving platter with a lip. Sprinkle on the torn mozzarella, along with a good pinch of salt, and tuck the cheese under the cucumbers in places. You can serve this dish hot or at room temperature.
GRILLED ASPARAGUS
The special thing about this recipe is that it's so simple. Fresh asparagus with a little oil, salt, and pepper is cooked quickly over high heat on the grill. Enjoy the natural flavor of your veggies.
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Asparagus
Time 18m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat grill for high heat.
- Lightly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 52.5 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 2.3 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
ASIAN-STYLE CUCUMBER SPEARS
Steps:
- Trim the ends of the cucumbers and cut each one in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl, add the salt, and toss to coat. Let stand for 1 hour at room temperature. Transfer to a colander, rinse lightly under cold running water, drain, and place in a bowl.
- Prepare dressing: In a wok or heavy saucepan set over moderate heat, heat sesame oil until hot. Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring 15 seconds. Add ginger, garlic, vinegar, and honey and stir-fry 30 seconds. Off heat, add cucumber and toss to coat. Transfer to a bowl, let cool and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Cucumbers will keep for up to one week.
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