Roasted Pear and Shallot Salad With Sherry-Dijon Vinaigrette

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Servings:
8

This salad incorporates seasonal fruits and vegetables and uses simple techniques to enhance their flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 5 tablespoons sherry vinegar

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 3 ripe but firm Bosc pears, cored, each cut into eighths (unpeeled)

  • 8 shallots, halved lengthwise if large

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • cup water

  • 1 large head frisee, trimmed, leaves separated

  • 2 heads Belgian endive, leaves separated and torn in half if large

  • ¾ cup walnuts (3 ounces), toasted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Arrange pears and shallots in a single layer in a small roasting pan; pour honey mixture on top, and toss well to coat. Cook until pears and shallots are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, about 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

  2. Meanwhile, make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, 3 tablespoons oil, and mustard; season with salt and pepper.

  3. Remove roasted pears and shallots from roasting pan. Place pan over high heat; add the water, and cook, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon, until liquid is reduced by half. Whisk mixture into vinaigrette.

  4. Combine frisee and endive in a large bowl; toss with vinaigrette. Divide among plates, and arrange pears, shallots, and walnuts alongside.

Cook's Notes

Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor. Spread nuts evenly on a baking sheet, and toast in a 350-degree oven, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

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