About a decade ago, Sam Sifton, New York Times food editor and restaurant critic, made a list of the 15 best things he ate in New York City. On that list, the otherwise humble grapefruit from Pulino’s which he described as transformed into ambrosia through the simple act of roasting muscovado (an unrefined sugar with an earthen flavor).
I’ve had a chance to test the roasting theory over the last couple years and have discovered that baked grapefruit is a playground for enriched flavors (and abstract art).
With our mandarin tree in a resting period after the fires (we had to cut it right back to restore its energy for future seasons), I’ve been focused on these pretty pink grapefruits that usually play second fiddle.
The flavors in this recipe not only work well together, they’re also a great way to support our bodies as we transition into the new year. The duo of ginger and turmeric offer anti-inflammatory properties while the winter citrus brings a cleansing counterpoint and healing vitamin C for cold and flu season (the fruit and its juices retain most of this water soluble vitamin through the roasting process). I hope you enjoy the experiment.
I also want to take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year. I received the nicest note the other day reminding me of one of my whys. I daydream and create on this blog because it’s pretty much who I am but having you here reminding me that you’re reading makes it a whole lot more fun. The idea that I might have an impact on your journey, however big or small, is very meaningful to me. Thank you for keeping me company! Cheers to 2020 and all the bittersweet moments it may hold.
- 2 grapefruit (I used pink), cut in half
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated ginger (fresh ginger not from powder)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- optional topping possibilities: nuts/seeds/granola/yogurt/lemon zest -- pinch of chopped fresh herbs: thyme/mint may be especially well-suited
- Preheat oven to 400F
- If needed, trim ends off grapefruit halves so that they lay flat.
- Cut grapefruit segments (I cut around circumference first and then triangular segments).
- Place the four halves on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine: maple syrup, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon & cardamom whisking to combine.
- Brush the grapefruit halves generously with the turmeric mixture reserving enough for a final brushing.
- Place the grapefruit tray in the oven for about 12 minutes (the grapefruit segments will soften and elevate as they bake).
- Carefully remove tray from oven - change oven setting to broil and give grapefruits final brushing with remaining mixture. Note: the grapefruits will be very mildly sweet - if you wish, you can add a small dusting of palm, muscovado (!), or brown sugar at this stage to each half. Return tray to oven to broil for 2-4 minutes - just long enough to achieve a rich roast without burning.
- Remove from oven and garnish as desired -- enjoy on its own or add nuts/seeds/granola, yogurt, lemon/orange zest, fresh herbs, etc.
When I was a kid I use to bake grapefruit with a generous sprinkling of brown sugar and a small tab of butter. I know, not the healthiest treat, but so good. I love your more adult version of bake grapefruit. The mix of spices sound wonderful and I love the use of maple syrup instead of sugar. I’ll be trying this soon. Thanks Kelly!
yeah, i mostly remember grapefruit with sugar as a kid to make it palatable; the dab of butter sounds divine (and something my french ancestors would heartily endorse) – we’ve been on a grilling kick with grapefruit but they’re so good in the raw too! Happy Sunday MJ.
I want to try this!!
you must! :))
Happy New Year to you too, Kelly. It’s been an awesome ride; I’ve really loved reading about your recipes and how they can impact our health. This recipe is gorgeous, I’ve never thought of roasting a grapefruit! And that colour, spectacular!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year filled with continued happiness and good health. XO
thank you Eva, appreciate that; I hope the year is off to a great start for you too!
Oh my… this is so creative and stunning! When I first saw the turmeric I couldn’t imagine it but the way you combine the spices makes me a believer :=) sounds incredible.
aw, thanks, they make great music together:) cheers Aimee!