Gratinated Radicchio Salad with Hazelnuts and Smoked Scamorza
Category: Salads
Serves: 4
This delicious Gratinated Radicchio Salad with Hazelnuts and Smoked Scamorza is a unique and flavorful twist on a traditional salad. Combining the bitterness of radicchio, the crunch of hazelnuts, and the creamy texture of melted smoked scamorza cheese, this dish makes for a delightful and satisfying side or light meal. A perfect option for impressing guests at a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Radicchio | 300g |
| Hazelnuts | 80g |
| Smoked Scamorza Cheese | 80g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Sage | to taste |
| Nutmeg | to taste |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Hazelnuts: Start by roughly chopping the hazelnuts. This will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to your salad. Set them aside for later use.
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Prepare the Radicchio: Wash the radicchio thoroughly, removing the base and the outer leaves. Cut the radicchio in half, then divide each half into 4-6 wedges, depending on the size of the radicchio. This will ensure that each serving is perfectly portioned for roasting and serving.
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Season the Radicchio: In a large mixing bowl, add the radicchio wedges and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with fine salt, black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the radicchio. Toss the radicchio well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Take 4 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes and brush the base with a light coating of olive oil. This will help prevent the radicchio from sticking to the dish during roasting.
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Assemble the Dish: Place the seasoned radicchio wedges into the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated smoked scamorza cheese over the top of each ramekin. This will melt beautifully in the oven, adding a rich and smoky flavor to the dish.
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Add Hazelnuts and Sage: Evenly distribute the chopped hazelnuts over the top of the cheese. Then, add a few small leaves of fresh sage on top for a burst of earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the radicchio and cheese.
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Gratinating the Salad: Drizzle a little more olive oil on top to ensure the radicchio and cheese crisp up nicely in the oven. Place the ramekins under the grill (broiler) in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, and the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the gratin is done, remove the ramekins from the oven and serve the gratinated radicchio salad hot. The combination of warm, melty scamorza, crunchy hazelnuts, and slightly bitter radicchio creates a perfect balance of flavors.
This Gratinated Radicchio Salad with Hazelnuts and Smoked Scamorza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, making it a perfect side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It’s also great as a standalone dish for a light, savory meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy yet impressive recipe!
