Figs and Purple Endive Salad with Currant Dressing

Grilling endive caramelizes the leaves and takes away some of its bitter edge. Sweet figs, bold blue cheese and tart currant-orange dressing complete this salad, which is delicious served with a Pinot Noir or other earthy red wine.

Ingredients

For the currant dressing:

Directions

Prepare a medium fire in a grill.

In a microwavable bowl, combine the currants and orange juice. Cover and microwave on “high” for 1 minute.

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and a few grindings of pepper. Stir in the currant mixture. Let the dressing stand for 15 minutes.

In a small, dry fry pan over medium-low heat, toast the pine nuts, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour onto a plate.

In a bowl, combine the fennel, figs, endive, olive oil and lemon juice and toss to coat evenly. Put the fennel, figs and endive in a grill basket and grill, turning often, until the vegetables are wilted and the figs are softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to mix. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Garnish with the cheese and pine nuts and serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Salad of the Day, by Georgeanne Brennan (Weldon Owen, 2012).