Pancetta Grilled Figs Recipes

PLANKED FIGS WITH PANCETTA AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Method:
• 1. Pour the fruit liqueur into a shallow dish. Sprinkle the pepper on a saucer. Dip the cut sides of the figs first into the fruit liqueur, then into the pepper, and place, cut side up, on a baking sheet to marinate for 20 minutes.
• 2. Cut each slice of pancetta lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips. Loosely wrap each fig half with a strip of pancetta. Fry the rest of the pancetta until crisp and crumbly and set aside.
• 3. Prepare a hot fire in your grill.
• 4. Place the planks on the grill grate and close the lid. When the planks start to smoke and pop, after 3 to 5 minutes, open the lid and turn the planks over using grill tongs. Quickly place the fig halves on the planks, cut side up. Sprinkle the goat cheese and fried pancetta on the figs. Cover and plank-roast for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the figs have softened and are scorched around the edges and the goat cheese has a burnished appearance and a brownish-red color. Drizzle with the honey and serve.
• Oven-Planking: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the planked pancetta-wrapped figs, sprinkled with goat cheese and fried pancetta, in the middle of the oven. Plank-roast for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the figs are scorched around the edges. Drizzle with honey and serve.

GRILLED PANCETTA WRAPPED RIVER FISH WITH THREE CABBAGE-RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, score the fish on each side. Season the inside with salt and pepper, and place 2 or 3 lemon slices inside the cavity of the fish. Rub the outside of each fish with the slice of ginger, and season the outside of the fish with salt and pepper. Wrap each fish with enough pancetta to cover the flesh, by laying the pancetta side by side in a shingled rectangle, and rolling the fish up in it.
• Prepare an outdoor grill or preheat the broiler. If cooking outdoors, spray the grill with nonstick cooking spray. Grill the fillets over high heat, turning once, until the pancetta is crispy, about 4 to 6 minutes per side or until the fish is cooked through.
• Plating: On a large oval plate, place a mound of the Three Cabbage Rice Salad and top with fish. Drizzle with a little reserved vinaigrette and sprinkle a dash of paprika on top.
• In a large bowl, combine the mustard, vinegar, chiles, cilantro, and whisk in the oil. Put aside a couple of tablespoons, for garnish.
• Add the cabbage and scallions and toss well. Season with the salt and pepper and allow to rest to flavor, about 3 minutes. Toss with rice and check for seasoning.

CHICKEN, FIG, AND PANCETTA BITES

Steps:

• If using fresh figs proceed to the preheat instructions. If using dried figs, place a small pan of water on stove and bring to a simmer. Add figs and plump them in water for 5 minutes. Drain and cool.
• Preheat griddle or grill pan over medium to high heat.
• Cut chicken into large chunks: cut a tenderloin in half or cut a thigh into 3 chunks. Drizzle chicken with balsamic and oil and toss to coat. Wash hands and season chicken with salt and pepper.
• Place a half fig on each piece of chicken and wrap with 1 slice of pancetta. Skewer to secure and place on grill. Wash hands again. Grill chicken bites 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

GRILLED PANCETTA-WRAPPED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas).
• Trim asparagus to 6 inches long, then toss with oil and 1/4 tsp pepper in a small dish. Wrap middle of each asparagus with 1 slice of pancetta. Thread 3 or 4 wrapped asparagus 1/2 inch apart onto each skewer.
• Oil grill rack, then grill asparagus, uncovered, turning, until pancetta is golden brown in spots and asparagus is crisp-tender, about 6 minutes.

GRILLED FIGS

Steps:

• Heat a griddle, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat.
• Cut the figs in half lengthwise and brush the cut sides with olive oil.
• Cook the figs on the griddle, cut side down, until tender and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
• Divide the figs among dessert plates and sprinkle lightly with fleur de sel. If you want, garnish with some freeze-dried raspberries and cilantro. Serve with a small bowl (or Chinese soupspoon) of granité. If you want a sauce, melt a little of the granité to drizzle onto the plate.

PANCETTA-WRAPPED FIGS

Steps:

• Bring vinegar, water, sugar, juniper berries, peppercorns, and cloves to a boil in a small saucepan. Add figs, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, to bring to room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer figs to a cutting board using a slotted spoon; cut in half. Wrap a pancetta strip around each half. Transfer, seam side down, to a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Bake until pancetta is browned, about 30 minutes. Secure each with a toothpick. Serve warm.

PANCETTA GRILLED FIGS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the grill to high.2. Cut each strip of pancetta in half each piece should be just large enough to wrap up a fig. Wrap each fig, topped with a sage leaf, in pancetta, and secure with a small bamboo skewer or toothpick by running the skewer or toothpick through the center of the fig and out the other side.3. When ready to cook, arrange the figs on the hot grate and grill, turning once with tongs, until heated through and the pancetta is crisp, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and remove the skewers or toothpicks before serving, or at least warn everyone of their presence.Makes 12 pieces serves 4 to 6 as an appetizerNote: You could also use dried figs for this recipe. Soak them in a bowl of boiled water (or, better yet, hot Marsala wine or port) for 30 minutes, or until soft, then drain and proceed with the recipe.