Radicchio, often featured in salads, takes on a delightful transformation when lightly dressed and grilled. This bittersweet, purplish-red lettuce turns juicy and mellow, making it a fantastic addition to your grill repertoire. To create a mouthwatering dish, select tight, round heads of radicchio that are heavy for their size and free from wilted leaves or imperfections. Grilled radicchio is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a range of grilled mains or serves as an exquisite starter.
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 heads of radicchio
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Radicchio: Begin by quartering the heads of radicchio through the root end.
- Dress and Season: In a mixing bowl, drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the radicchio quarters.
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves onto the radicchio.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Toss the radicchio quarters in the bowl to ensure they are well coated with the dressing and seasonings.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium heat. Ensure it is adequately preheated for optimal grilling results.
- Grill the Radicchio: Place the radicchio quarters, cut-side down, across the grill ribs. Grill for approximately 2 minutes or until you notice wilting along the sides.
- Carefully flip the radicchio quarters to the other cut side and grill for an additional 1 or 2 minutes. Be sure to remove them from the grill before they become entirely limp.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Arrange the grilled radicchio on a serving platter.
- For an extra burst of zesty flavor, garnish with lemon wedges on the side.
Grilled Radicchio is a delightful addition to your grill menu, showcasing the versatility of this bittersweet lettuce. When treated to a light dressing and a few minutes on the grill, radicchio transforms into a juicy and flavorful side dish or appetizer. The caramelized char marks and the tangy notes of lemon create a harmonious contrast, making this dish a wonderful complement to various grilled entrees.
Whether served as part of a barbecue feast or as a standalone starter, grilled radicchio is a testament to how simple ingredients can be elevated into something truly special. Select the finest radicchio, fire up the grill, and experience the magic of this beautifully grilled delicacy.
