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Charred Broccoli Salad With Figs

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Charred Broccoli Salad With Figs recipe
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio

A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest consistency for the broccoli-tahini purée in this adaptation of the charred broccoli salad from Bacchanal Wine in New Orleans. You can also use a food processor; the finished purée will just have more texture. This recipe makes more purée than you need, but you can use the hummus-like condiment as a dip for warm pita or raw vegetables, or as a sandwich schmear.

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What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

2 lb. broccoli (about 3 medium heads), ends trimmed, stems peeled
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
½ cup labneh or whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
2 small garlic cloves, finely grated, divided
½ cup coarsely chopped dried figs (such as Turkish or Mission)
Zest of ½ lemon
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided
1 cup tahini
Small handful of mixed tender herbs (such as mint, tarragon, and/or parsley), leaves torn if large
Sumac (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a grill for high heat. Cut broccoli lengthwise into ¼"-thick planks (try to keep crown and stem attached). Toss broccoli planks with oil in a large bowl to coat; season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until charred all over (they’ll look burnt, and that’s a good thing) but stems are still crisp-tender, about 5 minutes; reserve bowl. (Or you can broil broccoli in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, undisturbed, until well-charred on 1 side, 14–16 minutes.) Transfer broccoli back to reserved bowl and cover tightly and let sit 30 minutes to steam.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk labneh, half of garlic, and 2 Tbsp. water in a small bowl until smooth and the consistency of ranch dressing (add more water if needed). Season dressing with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces (about 3"), separating florets from stems as you go. Coarsely chop stems and measure out 1 cup; set aside. Return remaining broccoli to bowl; add figs and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice. Toss to combine; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

    Step 4

    Blend tahini, reserved broccoli stems, remaining garlic, remaining 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and ½ cup water in a high-speed blender until very smooth and the consistency of a loose hummus. Season purée with salt and pepper.

    Step 5

    Spread ½ cup purée on a platter. Top with reserved broccoli salad and spoon dressing over (you won’t need all of it). Scatter herbs, sumac, and lemon zest over.

    Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

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