Hot Spiced Portobello Grill with Fresh Arugula and Parmigiano Shavings

Copyright 2007 Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Portobello mushrooms have such a meaty quality that even meat lovers will be happy with them. Do try to grill this over a wood fire, even if it is some wood chips on the gas grill. That wood smoke flavor is so fine with this dish.

Serves 6

• 1/2 cup good tasting extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dry oregano
• 6 large Portobello mushroom caps
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tight-packed cup fresh baby arugula leaves
• 2 to 3 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler
• Juice of 1/2 to 1 whole lemon

1. In a blender, puree together the olive oil, garlic, pepper and oregano. Brush both sides of the mushrooms with the oil blend. Set the rest of the oil aside to finish the dish.

2. Prepare the grill for medium-high heat (on a charcoal grill coals will be orange and starting to ash over and you can hold your hand about 5 inches above the grate for 4 to 5 seconds; on a gas grill set burners at medium-high and heat until temperature reaches 400 F).

3. Grill the mushroom caps on both sides until tender all the way through and slightly crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Immediately remove the mushrooms to a serving platter. Top the caps with the arugula, then the cheese shavings, sprinkle with the reserved oil, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve right away to get the impact of hot mushrooms and fresh greens.

LYNNE'S TIPS

• The mushrooms can also be prepared on a stove top grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, film the bottom with a little oil.



• If by some gift of the gods fresh porcini (Boletus Edulis) mushrooms come into your life, do use them instead of Portobellos. They were the original mushrooms intended for this dish.



• If arugula isn't available substitute another tart, peppery green such as escarole, mustard greens, curly endive or mizuna.

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