GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE

GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE image

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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6 (1/4-inch-thick) slices pancetta
3 flat anchovy fillets
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil plus additional for brushing
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated Asiago cheese plus 1/4 cup shavings (preferably made with a Y-shaped vegetable peeler), divided
3 hearts of romaine, halved lengthwise

Steps:

* Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. * Bake pancetta in 1 layer in a 4-sided sheet pan, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 30 minutes. * Meanwhile, prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas); see "Grilling Procedure." * Purée anchovies, mayonnaise, blue cheese, garlic, sugar, mustard, soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp pepper in a food processor. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream, blending until combined. Transfer to a small bowl and whisk in lemon juice, grated Asiago, and salt to taste. * Lightly brush romaine with oil and season with 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until slightly wilted and browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. * Serve romaine drizzled with dressing and sprinkled with crumbled pancetta and shaved Asiago. cooks' note: Romaine can be cooked in an oiled hot grill pan over medium heat.