Insalata Di Rucola E Pera Recipes

GRILLED OCTOPUS SALAD (INSALATA DI POLIPO)

Steps:

• Put the octopus in a pot with the wine and enough cold water to cover. Add the onions, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook until opaque, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the octopus with a slotted spoon and cool. (This may be done a day ahead and refrigerated in a covered bowl.)
• Transfer the octopus to a resealable plastic bag and add the garlic, olive oil, and lime juice; seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Remove the octopus from the marinade and set aside.
• Preheat a charcoal or gas grill until hot. Position the rack about 5 to 6 inches from the heat.
• Combine the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, mint leaves, and green olives in the jar of a blender and puree into a smooth emulsion. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl for a chunkier texture. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper and set aside. Toss the endive, radicchio, and chickpeas together in a salad bowl and set aside.
• Grill the octopus for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once after 2 to 3 minutes, until it is browned in spots and nicely caramelized but not burned. Remove and cut into bite-size pieces. 0054oss with the greens and vinaigrette, divide among 4 plates, and serve.

INSALATA DI RINFORZO

Steps:

• Pour enough water (about 2 cups) into a large wide pot to come 1-inch up the sides. Cover and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the whole head of cauliflower to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and steam until a skewer inserts easily into the core of the cauliflower, about 8 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower to the center of a 16 to 20-inch-diameter platter. Set aside to cool completely.
• Arrange the giardiniera, corn, and roasted bell peppers in piles around the cauliflower. Sprinkle the onions and olives over the vegetables. Sprinkle the capers over.
• Whisk the oil, vinegar, and black pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the vegetables, and serve. The salad can be prepared ahead. Cover the salad and refrigerate it overnight. Bring the salad to room temperature before serving.

ARUGULA PESTO: PESTO DI RUCOLA

Steps:

• Put the garlic, anchovies, and capers in the work bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the arugula, cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil, and pulse until the mixture is completely combined and is the consistency of a classic pesto. Add salt and pepper, to taste. To serve, spread on bread or crackers, or toss with pasta. Transfer any remaining pesto to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.