Mario Batalis Capri Style Grilled Vegetable Salad Recipes

MARIO BATALI'S CAPRI-STYLE GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a gas grill or prepare a fire in a charcoal grill.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, mustard, pepper flakes, olive oil, and orange juice (reserve the zest for garnish). Set aside.
• Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Cut the peppers into quarters and remove the cores and seeds. If using baby zucchini, remove the blossoms and set aside; cut the zucchini lengthwise in half. If using small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (discard the first and last slice from each). Cut the onions into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Trim the scallions. Snap off the tough bottom parts of the asparagus stalks.
• Place the vegetables on two large baking sheets. Brush lightly with some of the marinade and season lightly with salt. Place on the grill over medium-high to high heat (you will probably have to cook the vegetables in batches) and cook, turning once or twice, until tender and slightly charred on both sides: the eggplant will take about 8 to 10 minutes, the peppers 10 to 12 minutes, the zucchini 6 to 8 minutes, the onions and scallions 4 to 6 minutes,and the asparagus 5 to 7 minutes. Remove each vegetable from the grill as it is done and return to the baking sheets.
• Cut the peppers into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Arrange the vegetables decoratively on a large serving platter and drizzle with the remaining marinade. Sprinkle with the orange zest, the zucchini blossoms if you have them, and the basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

MARIO BATALI'S GRILLED BEEF TAGLIATA

Steps:

• For the Beef: Combine the balsamic vinegar, rosemary and garlic in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until the rosemary is finely chopped. Add the olive oil and pulse until all the ingredients are combined. Season marinade with salt and pepper.
• Place the steaks in a large bowl or nonreactive baking dish. Pour the marinade over and turn to coat them on all sides. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before grilling.
• Preheat grill pan or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat.
• Remove the steaks from the marinade, discard the marinade, and generously season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides, using about one teaspoon of salt per pound of meat.
• Put the steaks on the grill pan and cook until the meat is seared and deep brown on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove the steaks to a platter or cutting board and let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to carve the steaks diagonally against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slice.
• While the steaks are resting, use a large knife or mandoline to cut the wedge of Parmiagiano-Reggiano into very thin slices. Put the arugula in a large, wide bowl, sprinkle with salt and toss gently to distribute evenly. Drizzle the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat the leave. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or vinaigrette, if desired.
• To serve plate steak with dressed arugula on the side. Drizzle with the balsamico condimento and olive oil.
• Shave porcini mushrooms and Parmiagiano-Reggiano onto the dish.
• For the Lemon Vinaigrette: Combine the shallots, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl. Set the bowl aside for 5 to 10 minutes to marinate the shallots. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady, stream, whisking constantly to combine. Stir in the pepper. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or pepper, if desired.