Pancetta-Wrapped Radicchio With Balsamic And Onion Pickles

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Italian
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

1 large red onion -- halved, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons salt
4 medium radicchio heads -- quartered
3/4 pound pancetta -- sliced paper-thin
8 ounces balsamic vinegar
2 ounces unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt -- to taste
1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste
 

Preparation:

In a metal mixing bowl, stir onion, vinegar, water, sugar and salt and let stand 1 hour. Wrap each radicchio quarter in two pieces of pancetta and set aside. Heat a 10- to 12-inch nonstick sauté pan 1 minute over medium heat. Place 8 pieces wrapped radicchio and cook 6 to 8 minutes, until pancetta is browned, turning frequently. Remove to plate in warm oven. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drain grease from the pan. Repeat process with remaining radicchio. Pour grease out and add balsamic vinegar and butter. Bring to a boil and reduce by half. Drain onions and place in small piles in center of 4 separate plates. Stack warm radicchio pieces up against onions like a teepee and spoon 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic sauce around and serve. Source: MOLTO MARIO with Mario Batali From the TV FOOD NETWORK - (Show # MB-5615)