Arugula with Brûléed Figs, Ricotta, Prosciutto, and Smoked Marzipan |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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Chef Graham Elliot, of restaurants Graham Elliot and Grahamwich in Chicago, shared this recipe as part of a Tree-Trimming Party Menu he created exclusively for Epicurious. Here's a salad that puts a twist on classic holiday flavors. Homemade smoked marzipan mingles with crisp prosciutto and caramelized figs on arugula dotted with a ricotta cream. If your ricotta is on the wet side, see our instructions for how to drain it, an important step before making the cream. The marzipan can be made up to five days in advance. Ingredients:
1 cup (about 4 ounces) smoked marcona or smoked regular almonds |
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil |
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar |
1 teaspoon kosher salt |
1/2 cup canola oil |
6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, trimmed of excess fat |
3/4 cup heavy cream, well chilled |
1 cup (about 9 ounces) fresh ricotta |
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt |
16 fresh figs |
1/2 cup turbinado sugar |
1 tablespoon fleur de sel |
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil |
juice of 1 lemon |
10 cups baby arugula |
Directions:
1. Make the smoked marzipan: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the almonds, grapeseed oil, confectioners' sugar, and salt and stir to combine. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown and aromatic, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool then coarsely chop. DO AHEAD: The smoked marzipan can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 5 days.
3. Fry the prosciutto: Line a large plate with paper towels.
4. In a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Working in batches, fry the prosciutto, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer as done to the paper-towel-lined plate. DO AHEAD: The prosciutto can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 4 hours.
5. Make the ricotta cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
6. In a second medium bowl, combine the ricotta and salt. Whisk about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the ricotta to lighten it. Gently fold the remaining 2/3 of the whipped cream into the mixture until fully incorporated but still light. DO AHEAD: The ricotta cream can be made in advance and refrigerated, covered, up to 1 hour.
7. Make the brûléed figs: Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet or broiler pan with aluminum foil.
8. Trim the tops off each fig then cut them in half lengthwise. Gently open each fig half to expose its flesh and place, skin-side-down, on the prepared baking sheet or broiler pan. Sprinkle with sugar and broil, about 6 inches from the flame, until the sugar bubbles, about 90 seconds. Just before serving, sprinkle with fleur de sel.
9. To serve: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Place the arugula in a large serving bowl or platter, drizzle with vinaigrette, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper then top with the smoked marzipan, crispy prosciutto, dollops of ricotta cream, and brûléed figs. Serve immediately.
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