Broiled Radicchio & Dates

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
  
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon zest from 1/2 lemon, divided
  
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
  
• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, plus more to taste
  
• 1 pound radicchio, cored and coarsely chopped
  
• 8 large, squishy dates, pitted and quartered
  

Optional:

• 3/4 pound fresh ricotta
• 1/2 cup mint, dill, and parsley, for garnish
  
• 1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven on its broiler setting.
2. Whisk together vinegar, smashed garlic, lemon juice 1/2 cup olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt and pepper.
3. In a 9 x 13 inch baking disk toss chopped radicchio and dates in 2 tbsps of olive oil.
4. Broil the radicchio for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until the leaves start to char and brown.
5. Add the hot radicchio and dates to a bowl and toss with dressing. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour. Then remove the garlic.
6. Serve with a cooked grain like barley or farro with our without optional garnishes.
7. Or serve topped with ricotta, torn herbs and toasted walnuts.