Vegetables
What is endive?
Endive is a type of leaf vegetable that belongs to the chicory family. It has a bitter taste and a crisp texture, and is often used in salads or as a garnish. There are two main types of endive: Belgian endive and curly endive (also known as frisée). Belgian endive is a compact, cone-shaped head with creamy-white leaves, while curly endive has ruffled, dark green leaves. Both types are low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
How do you cook endive?
Endive can be cooked in a variety of ways, depending on your taste preferences and the dish you’re making. Some popular methods include:
- Grilling: Cut the endive in half lengthwise and brush with olive oil. Grill on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred. Serve as a side dish or topped with a vinaigrette.
- Braising: Cut the endive into wedges and sauté in a pan with butter and a little chicken or vegetable stock. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- Roasting: Cut the endive into wedges, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and roast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
- Sauteeing: Cut the endive into thin strips and sauté in a pan with butter, garlic and bacon for a few minutes until wilted.
- Raw: Endive can also be eaten raw and is a common ingredient in salads.
You can experiment with different seasonings, herbs and dressings to suit your taste.
What are some good dishes that use endive?
Endive is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, both as a main ingredient and as a garnish. Some popular dishes that use endive include:
- Endive and Blue Cheese Salad: A classic combination of bitter endive and creamy blue cheese, dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
- Endive Gratin: Endive wedges baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
- Endive and Ham Tart: A savory tart filled with thinly sliced endive and ham.
- Endive and Apple Salad: A refreshing salad made with endive, apples and a simple vinaigrette.
- Endive, pear and Roquefort Salad: A salad made with endive, pear, Roquefort cheese and walnuts, dressed with a vinaigrette.
- Endive and chicken: You can add endive to a chicken dish by sautéing it with butter and garlic, or by adding it to a creamy chicken casserole.
- Endive and prosciutto: This is a popular appetizer of wrapped endive leaves with prosciutto and cheese.
These are just a few examples, but endive can be used in many different ways and can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create delicious and unique dishes.
Selected Recipes
- This Polenta with Leeks, Endive, Pancetta, and Poached Eggs recipe doesn't call for onions, but leeks are close enough. Also, there are no herbs in the recipe so the oregano is optional, but it wouldn't hurt.
- Turn this Quinoa Salad into a steak salad by adding Pan-Seared Filet Mignon.
- This Potato Gratin with Endives is easy to make and great for a winter meal.
Can you turn these ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary?
How will you combine beef, quinoa, and endive?
Cheese and potatoes are a classic combination, but can you combine them with endives for your next meal?
