Grilled Portobello Mushrooms With Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

Great on the grill but you can cook these on the stove and finish them off in the broiler. To avoid watery portobellos, cook the downside facing up first, then turn them so all the moisture cooks away. Minimal effort, maximum dining pleasure. Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Grilling Show

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing grill pan
• 4  large portabella mushrooms, stemmed (about 5 inches in diameter)
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
•  garlic powder (optional)
•  onion powder (optional)
• 1  dash red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3  tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3  vine ripened tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (small to medium)
• 8  ounces  fresh water-packed mozzarella cheese, drained, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil leaf
•  balsamic vinegar (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat).
2. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over both sides of the mushrooms. Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes on now if using.
3. Drizzle olive oil on grill pan to prevent mushrooms from sticking. Grill until the mushrooms are heated through and tender, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Meanwhile, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil and garlic in a medium bowl to blend. Add the tomatoes, cheese, and basil and toss to coat. Season the tomato salad, to taste, with salt and pepper.
5. Place 1 hot grilled mushroom gill side up on each of 4 plates. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Spoon the tomato salad atop the mushrooms, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil to finish, about 1 tablespoon and serve.
6. Drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar to finish off if desired. Enjoy!