Worst Cooks in America S28
Recipe courtesy of Jeff Mauro

Charred Savoy Cabbage with Thai Chile Agrodolce, Crushed Hazelnuts and Tahini Ranch

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 45 min
  • Active: 45 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
The tahini ranch in this dish will become your absolute favorite salad dressing, crudités dip, sandwich schmear and sauce.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. To make the agrodolce, add the vinegar and honey to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and take off the heat. Stir in the raisins, onion, garlic and Thai chile. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to soften the raisins, then discard the garlic and chile. Stir in the hazelnuts and parsley. The agrodolce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  2. For the tahini ranch, whisk together the tahini, yogurt, mustard, dill and granulated garlic in a medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the pancetta to a large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the pancetta, stirring often, until crispy and the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve the rendered fat in the skillet.
  4. Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and trim the base. Cut it in half through the stem and then in half again, into quarters. Season one side of each cabbage quarter with salt and pepper and place seasoned-side down in the cast-iron skillet with the reserved fat. Sear on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, then add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Allow to cook for another 3 minutes, then flip the cabbage. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and continue to cook for 5 minutes until soft to the touch while still holding its shape.
  5. Smear the tahini sauce on the base of each plate and place a wedge of charred cabbage on top, then top with the agrodolce and crispy pancetta.