Roasted Caciocavallo Focaccia
Basil Watermelon, Watermelon Rind Mostarda, Puffed Watermelon Seeds, Speck-Sourdough Focaccia
Chef Michael Gulotta of MOPHO, Maypop, and Tana | New Orleans
Adapted by StarChefs | APril 2024 | Photo: Sam Hanna
INGREDIENTS
Watermelon Rind Mostarda:
200 grams diced watermelon rind
100 grams diced orange rind
400 grams watermelon juice
10 grams lemon juice
100 grams raw sugar
6 grams mustard seeds
40 grams mustard oil
30 grams wasabi oil
Basil Watermelon:
100 grams watermelon juice
5 grams kosher salt
8 grams granulated sugar
Orange peel
4 slices watermelon
4 large leaves basil
Puffed Watermelon Seeds:
900 grams vegetable oil
150 grams white watermelon seeds, dried
Kosher salt
To Assemble and Serve:
1 slice focaccia
Butter
Caciocavallo cheese
Speck
METHOD
For the Watermelon Rind Mostarda:
In a stainless steel pot, cover watermelon and orange rind with enough water to submerge. Bring to a boil. Strain and transfer to a separate pot over medium heat. Add watermelon juice, lemon juice, sugar, and mustard seeds. Bring mixture to a simmer and reduce until a glaze-like consistency is achieved. Stir in mustard seed oil and wasabi oil. Let cool overnight.
For the Basil Watermelon:
In a saucepan, add watermelon juice, salt, sugar, and orange peel. Heat until salt and sugar have dissolved. Let cool. In a deep half hotel pan, place watermelon and cover each slice with a basil leaf. Compress in a vacuum sealer. Refrigerate.
For the Puffed Watermelon Seeds:
In a pot over high flame, heat oil to 400°F. Add seeds and fry until puffed. Using a slotted spoon, remove seeds and transfer to a paper towel-lined tray. Season with salt and let cool.
To Assemble and Serve:
Heat broiler. In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add focaccia and toast until desired doneness. Set aside. Place cheese on a sizzle platter and broil until bubbling. Set aside. Place focaccia on a serving plate. Top each slice with 1 slice speck, followed by 1 slice Basil Watermelon, hot cheese, desired amount Watermelon Rind Mostarda. Finish with a sprinkle of Puffed Watermelon Seeds.
