Grilled Endives with Tarragon Oil

• Recipe by Mario Batali

Pepato, a semidry sheep's-milk cheese studded with black peppercorns, lends salt and spice to the pleasant bitterness of the grilled endives. If you can't find it, substitute shavings of Pecorino Romano or ricotta salata.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup tarragon leaves
2. 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. Salt
4. 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
5. Freshly ground pepper
6. 8 large Belgian endives (about 2 pounds), halved lengthwise
7. One 4-ounce piece of Pepato cheese

Directions

1. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Plunge the tarragon into the water and cook just until wilted but still bright green. Drain the tarragon and refresh under cold water. Pat the tarragon dry with paper towels and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add 3/4 cup of the olive oil and a pinch of salt and blend until smooth.
2. Meanwhile, light a grill or heat a grill pan. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the vinegar and add a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Brush the endives with the oil and vinegar mixture and grill over a medium-low fire for about 12 minutes, turning, until softened and slightly charred. Arrange the endives on a serving platter. 
3. Pour the tarragon oil over the endives. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the Pepato over the endives. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Make Ahead

The grilled endives and tarragon oil can stand separately at room temperature for up to 3 hours.