Memorial day 2014. Perfect apres Bolder Boulder treat. Alfie loved it (apart from the tomatoes).
According to chef and grill genius Francis Mallmann, the success of this incredibly simple dish—provolone seared in a cast-iron skillet until crisp, browned and melty—depends on the quality of the cheese itself. “You want a sharp, mature cheese that’s about eight or nine months old,” he says.
- One 1-inch-thick slice of provolone cheese (1/2 pound)
- 2 tablespoons small oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 6 grape tomatoes, halved
- Sea salt
- Basil leaves, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Preheat the oven to 450°. Heat a cast-iron skillet until hot. Add the cheese and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper. Cook over moderate heat until the cheese begins to melt and brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Flip the cheese and cook until the bottom begins to melt and brown, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper and top with the grape tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are warmed through, about 4 minutes. Season with sea salt and garnish with basil. Serve with bread.
