Name: Pan-Roasted Pear Salad with Watercress, Parmesan, and Pecans For Two
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 2 ripe but firm pears (about 1 pound), quartered and cored (see note above); 1 3/4 teaspoons sugar; Salt and ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil plus an additional 1 1/2 teaspoons; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 small shallot , minced (about 1 1 /2 teaspoons); 1/4 medium head green leaf lettuce , washed, dried, and torn into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups); 1 small bunch watercress , washed, dried, and stemmed (about 2 cups); 2 ounces Parmesan cheese , shaved into thin slices with a vegetable peeler; 1/3 cup pecans , toasted and chopped

Pan-Roasted Pear Salad with Watercress, Parmesan, and Pecans For Two

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on October 18, 2011

Time

30 minutes, plus 45 minutes cooling

Yield

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 ripe but firm pears (about 1 pound), quartered and cored (see note above)1 ¾ teaspoons sugar Salt and ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil plus an additional 1 ½ teaspoons3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ½ small shallot, minced (about 1 1 /2 teaspoons)¼ medium head green leaf lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)1 small bunch watercress, washed, dried, and stemmed (about 2 cups)2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved into thin slices with a vegetable peeler⅓ cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Before You Begin

The test kitchen prefers Bartlett pears for this recipe, but Bosc pears can also be used. With either variety, the pears should be ripe but firm; check the flesh at the neck of the pear-it should give slightly when pressed gently with a finger. If using Bartletts, look for pears that are starting to turn from green to yellow. Romaine lettuce may be substituted for green leaf.

Instructions

Toss pears, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in medium bowl. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add pears cut-side down in single layer and cook until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using small spatula or fork, tip each pear onto second cut side; continue to cook until second side is lightly brown, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Shut off heat, leave skillet on burner, and add 2 tablespoon vinegar; gently stir until vinegar becomes glazy and coats pears, about 30 seconds. Transfer pears to large plate and let cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Cut each pear quarter crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.

Whisk remaining tablespoon oil, remaining tablespoon vinegar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and shallot together in large bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add lettuce, watercress, and cooled pears to bowl; toss and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Divide salad among individual plates; top each with portion of cheese and nuts. Serve immediately.