Here’s something we’d never have thought of, and we’re grateful to the folks at GQ for sending us the recipe.
It’s a showstopping appetizer or cheese course that takes literally one minute to cook: red grapes with burrata cheese. Developed by chef Jeff Mahin, the dish has become a staple at his Stella Barra Pizzerias in L.A. and Chicago.
“While using gas or charcoal to make it is fine, I prefer a screaming-hot wood grill,” says Jeff. “Just remember that when cooking with wood, you want to cook over glowing ruby red coals rather than the flame itself. Cooking directly over an open flame can impart a sour and soot-like flavor, which is never a good thing.”
Note that since grapes will invariably fall off the bunch while you’re grilling them, a vegetable grilling basket will come in handy.
RECIPE: GRILLED GRAPES WITH BURRATA
Ingredients For 4 Servings
1 pound bunch seedless red grapes
½ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
2 crushed garlic cloves
2 balls burrata cheese
Sea salt and olive oil
Rustic bread
Preparation
1. WASH the bunch of grapes carefully under cold water and allow them to dry.
2. WHISK together in a bowl: olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, chile flakes, garlic cloves. Add grapes and toss until coated. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
3. PLACE a bunch of grapes onto the center of a hot grill, using tongs. Grill for 30 seconds. Turn. Grill for another 30 seconds.
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