Grilled Portobello Mushrooms With Tomatoes And Fresh Mozzarella - cooking recipe

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)

Preparation

Prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar to finish off if desired. Enjoy!