Charred Persimmon Salad with Agave Nectar Vinaigrette
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Persimmons come in two varieties – Fuyu and Hachiya. Actually you could use either, but mine happened to be the astringent Hachiya variety and I allowed them to ripen to the stage just before they turn gelatinous. I like their bitterness balanced by the addition of sugar and rosemary. The crisp and less tannic Fuyu variety would work as well, but would need to grill longer to soften. The key is to achieve a blackened crust to the exterior edges of the persimmon. Experiment with both varieties and you will become a persimmon fan like me.
Recipe by:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Agave Nectar Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Charred Persimmon Salad
  • 2 ripe persimmons
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup micro greens
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
  • 2 stems fresh rosemary, for garnish
  • Kosher salt
Instructions
Agave Nectar Vinaigrette
  1. In a mixing bowl, add the agave nectar and the mustard along with the salt. While whisking, add the olive oil and bring together in an emulsion. Cover and keep at room temperature until serving.
Charred Persimmon Salad
  1. On a clean cutting board, slice the persimmons into 6 thick rounds leaving the peel on. Position each round on the board and brush with a coating of olive oil. Sprinkle each with sugar and then evenly scatter the rosemary over the tops.
  2. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, place the sliced persimmon rounds sugar-side down. Watch carefully as the fruit grills and the edges begin to blacken. Lift the edges with a spatula to check to see if the sugar is caramelizing and beginning to blacken. Just as the slices take on a darkened color, remove them from the pan to a platter and keep warm.
  3. On a clean plate, place a spoonful of the vinaigrette and tilt the plate until it runs to the edge. Place a mound of micro greens at one end and layer the charred persimmon slices on top. Add pomegranate seeds and rosemary for garnish along with a sprinkling of salt.
Recipe by Acadiana Table at /?p=6480