• servings 6

Ingredients

  • 6 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled

  • Generous 4 cups trimmed arugula, washed and spun dry

  • Juice of 1/2 small lemon

  • Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 4-ounce chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano for shaving

Cook's Note

This was one of the first dishes I put on the menu at my restaurant Po a long time ago. You can vary it by using different greens, such as spicy young watercress, or other cheeses, including sheep's-milk cheese, semisoft or aged. The beauty of the dish lies in the seemingly incongruous marriage of anchovies and mushrooms: anchovies plus mushrooms equals steak. --Mario Batali

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat a gas grill or prepare a fire in a charcoal grill.

  2. Step 2

    Place the portobellos on the grill and cook, turning two or three times, until slightly softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a platter, arranging the mushrooms gill side up.

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the olive oil, the anchovy paste, vinegar, and thyme. Spoon the mixture evenly over the portobellos and let stand for 30 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice. Season with coarse salt and pepper.

  5. Step 5

    Divide the arugula among six plates and top each with a mushroom. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the Parmigiano over the salads. Serve immediately.

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