PEAR, PANCETTA, AND WALNUT SALAD

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Pear, Pancetta, and Walnut Salad image

Toasted crushed coriander seeds add great flavor and fragrance to the dressing. Green Anjou or Comice pears would also work well here, but the red Anjou's rich maroon skin looks beautiful next to the lettuce.

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 small shallot, minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped
1 large head of butter lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (about 8 cups)
1 large red Anjou pear, unpeeled, quartered, cored, sliced
1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts

Steps:

  • Toast coriander seeds in small skillet over medium heat until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Transfer to mortar and grind coarsely with pestle. Transfer to small bowl. Mix in lemon juice and shallot. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Heat heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and sauté until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate. Place lettuce in large bowl. (Dressing, pancetta, and lettuce can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let dressing and pancetta stand at room temperature. Cover lettuce with damp kitchen towel and refrigerate.)
  • Toss lettuce with dressing. Top with pear slices, then walnuts and pancetta.

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