FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES
Fruity ingredients always make a good pairing with lamb and venison, especially when they have a note of savoriness, which olive oil provides here. If you have a grill fired up, you can do the roasting in a covered grill rather than the oven. This is enough grapes to accompany six servings of elk tenderloin or lamb chops.
Roasted grapes are a simple yet sophisticated addition to a meal, elevating its overall taste and visual appeal. The roasting process intensifies the grapes’ sweetness and softens their texture, creating a flavorful contrast to meat dishes. The combination of red wine, olive oil, and sugar forms a delicious coating that caramelizes during roasting, resulting in a flavorful syrup that can be drizzled over the grapes and meat. This versatile side dish can be customized by adding complementary seasonings like fresh thyme or ground cinnamon before roasting. It’s a creative way to enhance your culinary repertoire and impress guests with a surprising and delicious element on the plate. Roasted grapes can also be enjoyed as part of cheese platters or salads for a delightful twist.
MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUP
INGREDIENTS:
- ¼ cup dry or sweet red wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 pound seedless red grapes
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Choose a shallow baking dish that can hold the grapes in a single layer.
- Prepare the Grape Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry or sweet red wine, olive oil, and granulated sugar. Add the seedless red grapes to the bowl and gently toss them to coat with the wine mixture.
- Roasting the Grapes: Spoon the coated grapes into the prepared baking dish. Roast the grapes in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. During roasting, stir the grapes once to ensure even cooking. The grapes should soften slightly, and their skins should begin to shrivel, while still retaining their shapes.
- Serve: The roasting process will create a syrup-like liquid in the pan. Serve spoonfuls of the roasted grapes along with some of the syrup alongside your main meat dish. The grapes provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the meat’s flavors.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- With Roasted Meats: Roasted grapes make an excellent pairing with roasted meats such as chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb. Their sweet and tangy flavor profile provides a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the meat. Serve the roasted grapes alongside or on top of the meat for a burst of flavor.
- Cheese Platters: Incorporate roasted grapes into a cheese platter for a sophisticated and visually appealing appetizer. The grapes’ sweetness and syrupy texture complement a variety of cheeses, from soft brie to aged cheddar. Arrange them on a platter with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and nuts for a balanced and flavorful spread.
- Salads: Add a unique twist to your salads by including roasted grapes as a sweet and juicy element. Their warm, caramelized flavor pairs well with a range of salad ingredients, such as mixed greens, goat cheese, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Brunch Dishes: Elevate your brunch menu by incorporating roasted grapes into dishes like quiches, frittatas, or breakfast casseroles. The grapes’ sweetness can balance the savory flavors of eggs and other ingredients, creating a harmonious and memorable brunch experience.
- Charcuterie Boards: Create a stunning charcuterie board by combining roasted grapes with an array of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, bread, and spreads. The grapes’ vibrant color and flavor will enhance the visual appeal of the board and provide a delightful flavor component.
- Dessert Toppings: Roasted grapes can also make a surprising and delightful dessert topping. Serve them over vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or panna cotta for a sweet ending to a meal.
