Grilled Portobello and Bosc Pear Salad

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

Ingredients

1. 8 large Portobello mushrooms, stems discarded
2. 1/2 cup pure olive oil
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
5. 1 garlic clove, minced
6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
7. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
8. 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
9. 3 large Bosc pears--peeled, halved, cored and cut lengthwise into thin wedges
10. 6 cups bite-size pieces of romaine lettuce
11. 1/2 cup thin shavings of Manchego, Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

1. Light a grill or heat a grill pan. Coat each mushroom with 1 tablespoon of the pure olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill the mushrooms over a medium low fire or in a grill pan until very crusty and lightly charred outside and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side. Transfer the mushrooms to a large rimmed baking sheet, gills up.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and garlic. Brush the mixture over the mushroom gills. Roast the mushrooms for about 5 minutes, or until hot. Slice the mushrooms 1/2 inch thick.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil with the lemon juice and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the pear wedges with 1 tablespoon of the dressing. In a large salad bowl, toss the romaine with the remaining dressing. Add the pear wedges and mushrooms and toss. Top with the cheese shavings and serve.

Make Ahead

The grilled Portobello mushrooms can stand at room temperature for up to 4 hours.

Notes

If you don't own a cheese slicer, use a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler to make the cheese shavings.