3635. BRIE and BACON PIADINA with BALSAMIC FIG and ONION MARMALADE



Piadina Dough (makes 4 piadinas)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice


1 log of brie, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
8 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and sliced into 1/2-inch slices
Roughly 1 cups of arugula, chopped, or arugula sprouts
1/2 cup balsamic fig and onion marmalade (recipe below)

Balsamic Onion and Fig Marmalade (makes about 3/4-1 cup):
1 large sweet onion (Walla-Walla), sliced thinly
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 brown figs, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon water, or more



First make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the flour, make a well in the center and add all the remaining ingredients. Mix with a spoon or a fork (or the dough hook on your mixer), until the dough begins to come together. If you are working with your stand mixer, you can mix with the dough hook for about 5 more minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, turn out the dough ball onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for at least 5 more minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, lightly oil it, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. 


To grill your piadinas, prepare a cast iron skillet, heavy bottomed pan, or griddle over high heat. The surface should be very very hot. Take your piadina dough, and divide it into four pieces; then roll out one piece at a time into rounds about 8 inches in diameter (they should be very thin). Place the piadina on the surface of the skillet, and if it is hot enough, the dough will not stick. Grill the piadinas for a few minutes or until bubbles begin to form on the surface, and the underside has charred spots. Turn the piadina over, and cook for just a few minutes more, until the bottom is light brown. Remove from heat and cover.


 To complete your piadina, preheat your oven to 400ºF, and place a rack in the top 1/3 of your oven. Take a rimmed baking sheet, turn it over, and place the grilled piadina on the bottom. Place 5-6 slices of brie down the center of the piadina, and slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven for just about 2-3 minutes, or until the brie is just melting. Take it out of the oven, top the brie with the about 2 tablespoons marmalade, followed by 2 pieces of sliced bacon, and about 1/4 cup arugula. Fold in each side the piadina to close, and serve immediately.

Balsamic Onion and Fig Marmalade: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat; then add the onions, and brown sugar, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Continue to cook the onions over medium heat for about 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, translucent, and light brown. Add the balsamic vinegar, turn the heat to low, and continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10 more minutes. When they are done, they will be deep, dark brown and will have absorbed all the vinegar. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Add the chopped figs and water, cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or a lid for the bowl), and microwave on high heat for about 2 minutes to steam the figs. Remove the bowl from the microwave, and the figs should be soft enough that they can be mashed with a fork. Mix the figs together with the balsamic onions, and let cool slightly before serving.


bacon recipe source: The Cilantropist, October 17, 2010