Ingredients

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic, peeled, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 8 medium carrots (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves only
• 2 bunches arugula, trimmed, rinsed, dried
• 6 ounces Bucheron or similar goat cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Preparation

Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until just crisp and barely golden, about 20 seconds. Immediately remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Let the oil cool; pour into a bowl. Wipe out skillet.

Put vinegar in small bowl; whisk in 5 tablespoons of the cooled garlic oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and pepper to taste. (JP: Save remaining garlic oil to use at a later time).

Cut carrots crosswise in half; cut the halves into thick, rough sticks. Toss in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of the garlic oil, thyme, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and pepper to taste.

Heat the same skillet over high heat. Add carrots in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook until lightly charred (almost burnt) on one side, 3-5 minutes. Turn; cook other side, adjusting the heat as necessary, until lightly charred and tender within, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a tray. Wipe out the skillet; set aside.

Toss parsley, arugula and half of the vinaigrette on large serving platter. Arrange carrots on top.

Reheat skillet to very high heat; coat with 1-2 tablespoons of the remaining oil. Immediately add goat cheese slices (be careful — oil may spatter). As soon as you see the cheese blacken on the bottom, remove the slices with a thin spatula; invert onto the carrots. Sprinkle the garlic chips over the salad; drizzle with vinaigrette to taste.

Jean Marie Brownson, Chicago Tribune