Balsamic Portobello Steaks

Balsamic Portobello Steaks

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 6
These meatlike portobello mushrooms can be eaten as a main course, or they can be used in a sandwich. For the latter, split squares of focaccia and toast lightly, cut sides down, on the grill. For added richness, crumble about 3 oz. blue cheese over the cooked mushrooms and serve with arugula.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 large, fresh portobello mushroom caps, each
     about 1/4 lb., brushed clean

Directions:

In a large, shallow, nonreactive bowl, stir together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and garlic. Add the mushrooms and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, turning once. Drain before grilling.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Oil the grill rack.

Place the mushrooms, gill side down, over the hottest part of a charcoal fire or directly over the heat elements of a gas grill. Cook, turning once, until moist on the underside and just firm to the touch on the top, 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Arrange the mushrooms on individual plates and serve hot. Serves 6.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma, Essentials of Grilling, by Denis Kelly, Melanie Barnard, Barbara Grunes & Michael McLaughlin (Oxmoor House, 2003).