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Chef Graham Elliot, of restaurantsGraham ElliotandGrahamwichin Chicago, shared this recipe as part of aTree-Trimming Party Menuhe created exclusively for Epicurious. Here's a salad that puts a twist on classic holiday flavors. Homemade smoked marzipan mingles with crisp prosciutto and caramelized figs on arugula dotted with a ricotta cream. If your ricotta is on the wet side, see our instructions for how to drain it, an important step before making the cream. The marzipan can be made up to five days in advance.
Ingredients
Makes 8 servings
For the smoked marzipan:
For the crispy prosciutto:
For the ricotta cream:
For the brûléed figs:
To serve:
Special Equipment
Make the smoked marzipan:
Step 1
Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine the almonds, grapeseed oil, confectioners' sugar, and salt and stir to combine. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown and aromatic, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool then coarsely chop. DO AHEAD:The smoked marzipan can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 5 days.
Fry the prosciutto:
Step 3
Line a large plate with paper towels.
Step 4
In a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Working in batches, fry the prosciutto, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer as done to the paper-towel-lined plate. DO AHEAD:The prosciutto can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 4 hours.
Make the ricotta cream:
Step 5
In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Step 6
In a second medium bowl, combine the ricotta and salt. Whisk about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the ricotta to lighten it. Gently fold the remaining 2/3 of the whipped cream into the mixture until fully incorporated but still light.DO AHEAD: The ricotta cream can be made in advance and refrigerated, covered, up to 1 hour.
Make the brûléed figs:
Step 7
Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet or broiler pan with aluminum foil.
Step 8
Trim the tops off each fig then cut them in half lengthwise. Gently open each fig half to expose its flesh and place, skin-side-down, on the prepared baking sheet or broiler pan. Sprinkle with sugar and broil, about 6 inches from the flame, until the sugar bubbles, about 90 seconds. Just before serving, sprinkle with fleur de sel.
To serve:
Step 9
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Place the arugula in a large serving bowl or platter, drizzle with vinaigrette, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper then top with the smoked marzipan, crispy prosciutto, dollops of ricotta cream, and brûléed figs. Serve immediately.
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Reviews (8)
Back to TopThis recipe calls for an excessive and unnecessary amount of oil. 1 tbsp was more than enough for the almonds (which is obviously a play on - rather than literal - marzipan); and prosciutto contains enough fat that it can be broiled in the oven along with the figs - absolutely no need to pan fry it in 1/2 cup of oil. Even with that said though, this dish was just okay for me and I probably won't be making it again.
cheching
Toronto, ON
7/17/2021
I agree with the previous comment: Chopped almonds is not marzipan. The picture even seems to show a piece of marzipan. It sounds delicious, but I'm confused :s
Anonymous
Toronto, ON
12/8/2014
Where do you grind the almond mixture? Marzipan isn't just chopped almonds.
forever42
Tampa, FL
12/16/2013
Loved it! Very delicate flavor. I didn't have smoked almonds so I add smoked paprika to the mixture and it came out great. definitely a keeper!
Natapouette
3/24/2013
I made this last year at our holiday dinner and it was a huge hit. Definitely making it again this year!
amyjoy007
Reading, PA
12/16/2012
I thought this was absolutely foul. It is probably the worst thing I have ever made from Epicurious. If I could I would have given this 0 forks. And I wouldn't make it again -- my regular salad with figs is waaaayyyyy better than this.
amanda_ca
Toronto
12/24/2011
Great Recipe. I halved the recipe, used artisan lettuce instead of arugula, used sliced pear instead of fresh figs (out of season), the ricotta and cream was easy to make. Guests loved it
Anonymous
Diane from Baltimore
12/15/2011
This is a lot of work but really good. I baked the prosciutto and used goat cheese instead of ricotta.
Anonymous
Dallas, TX
12/11/2011