Bottega's Charred Onion Dip
Frank Stitt shares a favorite Bottega Cafe appetizer.
By Jan Walsh
You do not have to be a chef to make this dish. I make Bottega's Charred Onion Dip the day ahead and serve it as a casual appetizer for gatherings of family and friends. Buy a bag of gourmet chips or make your own, like Bottega Cafe does.
2 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon mascarpone
1 scant tablespoon whole-grain mustard
4 dashes Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon finely sliced chives
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 red onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick and charred about 5 minutes per side (outer ring reserved for garnish and remaining charred onion finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preparation:
Combine the sour cream, mascarpone, mustard, Tabasco, chives, lemon juice, and Worcestershire in a mixing bowl. Fold in the chopped onions then taste and adjust the seasonings. Place dip inside the reserved outer ring of the grilled red onion. The dip is great right away but the next day the flavors are even better. Serve with potato chips.