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Black Tie Crudite with Whipped Ricotta

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Alex Lau

Intentionally burning vegetables—it’s a thing! The burnt onion powder adds a smoky, slightly bitter finish to the rich dip, and is responsible for the black part of this tuxedo-inspired crudite.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
1 cup ricotta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
8 small white turnips, peeled, cut into ½" wedges
3 heads small tender lettuce (such as Little Gem) or 1 head Bibb lettuce, leaves separated
½ head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 small fennel bulb, halved lengthwise, sliced into thin spears
1 endive, halved lengthwise sliced into thin spears

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat broiler. Arrange onion in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil, turning occasionally, until blackened, about 5 minutes; let cool.

    Step 2

    Pulverize charred onion to a powder in a spice mill or a mortar and pestle. (Or, seal in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or skillet.) Set onion powder aside.

    Step 3

    Blitz ricotta, oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and smooth top. Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust onion powder over to cover (you won’t need all of it). Serve dip with crudité.

    Step 4

    Do ahead: Whipped ricotta can be made 2 days ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving. Onion powder can be made 1 month ahead; store airtight at room temperature.

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