Escarole, a leafy green with broad undivided leaves and a slightly bitter flavor, may not always be easy to work with. However, by taking things one step at a time, you can unlock its unique taste and texture in 21 simple recipes that showcase this versatile vegetable. Before we dive into the world of escarole recipes, let’s take a closer look at what makes it so special. Escarole is a type of endive that belongs to the chicory family, characterized by its slightly bitter flavor.
When used in salads, its inner leaves are often the star of the show, but it can also be cooked and added to soups or sautéed as a standalone side dish. One of the key things to keep in mind when preparing escarole is its relatively short storage life. To ensure it stays fresh, make plans for how you’ll use it up before it goes bad. Escarole’s unique texture, which remains intact even after cooking, makes it a great addition to a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re looking for Italian-inspired recipes or simply want to add some green to your plate, escarole is a great choice. When it comes to preparing escarole, the key is to rinse the leaves well to remove any dirt that may be hiding at the base. This ensures your dish tastes as good as it looks. As for cooking methods, escarole can be added to soups towards the end of cooking time or used as a topping for casserole. It also makes a great side dish on its own.
From soups to salads to pasta dishes, there are countless ways to incorporate escarole into your meals. With these 21 simple recipes, you’ll be well on your way to discovering just how versatile this leafy green can be.
Apple And Escarole Salad With Blue Cheese And Hazelnuts
Some escarole recipes are so delightful they can be summed up in just two words: light and lovely! And this salad is no exception.
nThe secret to its charm lies in the harmonious balance of flavors, starting with the tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil. The sweetness of Fuji or Gala apple slices perfectly complements these savory notes.
nThe real magic happens when the escarole, crumbled blue cheese, thinly sliced red onions, fresh parsley, and toasted hazelnuts are tossed together. It’s a match made in heaven!
White Bean Escarole Soup
Italian cuisine offers a diverse array of escarole recipes, particularly for soups. One such example is White Bean Escarole Soup, which begins by sautéing onion, celery, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes to establish the flavor foundation. The escarole itself is then added and cooked until it reaches a tender, wilted consistency. Building on this base, the soup’s seasonings, broth, cannellini beans, parmesan rind, and bay leaves are brought to a rolling boil.
As the mixture simmers, some of the beans can be mashed to enhance the texture and flavor. Just before serving, a squeeze of lemon juice is added, stirring well to combine. Finally, individual bowls are garnished with shaved parmesan for a touch of elegance.
Italian Sauteed Escarole
To prepare a delicious dish of escarole, follow these straightforward steps: Start by bringing a large pot three-quarters full of salted water to a rolling boil. Next, carefully add the cleaned and chopped escarole to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd it. Once cooked, drain the escarole in a colander under cold running water, then wrap it in a towel to squeeze out any excess liquid. In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Then, add the cooked escarole back into the skillet along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of raisins and pine nuts. Gently stir everything together to combine. This hearty dish is best enjoyed hot or at room temperature, perfect for a cozy evening in.
Slow-Cooker Tuna Steaks With Escarole-Chickpea Salad
When it comes to seafood, tuna filets with chickpeas make for a match made in heaven when paired with escarole lettuce recipes. The key to this harmonious combination is the slow-cooked tuna, which absorbs the rich flavors of oil, shallots, garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf. Meanwhile, the sauce is crafted using lemon juice, salt, pepper, and the savory drippings from the slow cooker.
To bring it all together, combine the escarole and chickpeas in a large bowl, then top with the tuna and drizzle with dressing. And don’t forget to add a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano to each serving for an extra burst of flavor.
4-Ingredient Escarole And Beans
As I continue to explore the culinary possibilities of escarole, my next creative endeavor involves preparing this leafy green as a side dish that complements a variety of flavors. To begin, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and submerge the escarole until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Then, add in either red kidney beans or cannellini beans, along with their accompanying liquid from the can. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the escarole is cooked through, drain it and incorporate it into the bean mixture. Finally, plate your dish and enjoy the harmonious union of textures and tastes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect pairing!
Frisee, Radicchio And Escarole Salad With Citrus Dressing
When it comes to preparing escarole for a recipe, the approach often depends on the intended use. However, this versatile bitter green can be particularly well-suited as a complementary element in a larger dish. For instance, a salad featuring escarole’s distinctive flavor can provide a much-needed counterbalance to rich and savory main courses like beef.
A key aspect of this salad is its harmonious dressing, which combines the richness of olive oil with the brightness of lemon and orange juices, a touch of sweetness from honey, tanginess from mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added depth. The foundation of the salad itself is a medley of finely sliced radicchio, escarole, frisee lettuce, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese – a delightful combination that showcases the unique qualities of each ingredient.
Wilted Escarole With Feta, Walnuts, And Honey
In a delightful convergence of flavors, escarole recipes often bring together sweet, salty, and bitter notes. This synergy is particularly evident when pairing the earthy bitterness of escarole with the sweetness of honey and the saltiness of nuts and cheese. The resulting flavor profile is complex and engaging. Beyond the harmonious flavor combinations, this prep method also yields excellent textures.
The unique approach involves cutting the head in quarters lengthwise for washing and then searing the leaves in olive oil, which helps to preserve their delicate nature. To finish, simply plate the escarole and top it with crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey for a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Italian Utica Greens
The Utica Greens, a staple from the Upstate New York regions of Utica and Rome, have been a beloved ingredient in many cuisines. When it comes to cooking escarole, there are a few tried-and-true methods that yield delicious results. To start, one popular approach is to boil the chopped and cored greens after washing them thoroughly. This step helps to tenderize the leaves before moving on to the next stage of preparation.
From here, the cooked escarole can be coated in a drizzle of oil and seasoned with a blend of flavors. Once sautéed to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches – a sprinkle of bread crumbs and a generous helping of Locatelli cheese complete the dish. This classic Italian preparation is sure to satisfy any appetite.
Spiced Lamb Meatball And Escarole Soup
While escarole-based soups share some fundamental characteristics, each recipe boasts a distinct flavor profile or ingredient combination that sets it apart as a specialty worth savoring. One standout element in this particular soup is the spiced lamb meatballs, which are crafted from a blend of lamb, garlic, coriander, cumin, oregano, turmeric, and paprika.
When combined with the rich flavors of onions, tomato paste, broth, escarole, and beans, these meatballs add a depth and complexity that elevates the entire dish to new heights.
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a culinary masterpiece that has earned its place among my all-time favorite Italian recipes. The name ‘wedding’ doesn’t refer to a romantic union, but rather the harmonious marriage of flavors and ingredients that come together in this delectable soup.
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is the versatility of the meatballs. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of meats to create your perfect blend.
To start, sauté garlic, carrots, and onion until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add in chicken and beef stock, and bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer. Next, introduce escarole, orzo, and meatballs into the pot, allowing them to gently cook together until the orzo is tender.
Finally, serve the soup with a crusty loaf of bread on the side – a must-have accompaniment that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
When preparing escarole for a salad, you can combine it with radicchio, endive, and romaine to create a delicious foundation. The unique flavors of these lettuces are further enhanced by the addition of various toppings and dressing.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility, as you can mix cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and chicken before adding your favorite dressing. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
To take it to the next level, a homemade honey mustard dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess, allowing each ingredient to shine.
Ham, White Bean And Escarole Soup
What sets escarole lettuce-based soups apart from others is the rich, savory broths and diverse textures they offer. This variety is truly impressive, with numerous ways to customize the dish. One recipe that particularly stands out features ham, cannellini beans, and escarole as its main ingredients. The aromatic broth is further enhanced by a medley of flavors, including garlic, pepper, rosemary, and sage.
To complete this hearty soup, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful finishing touch.
Italian Style Greens
By incorporating a medley of greens into an escarole recipe, you can elevate the dish’s flavor profile and add complexity. The combination of spinach, collard greens, and escarole brings a harmonious balance to the side dish, which is further enhanced by the rich flavors imparted from simmering in chicken broth with previously caramelized onion and garlic. As the ingredients tenderize, you’re left with a satisfyingly simple yet flavorful result.
With just a few more steps, including draining the excess liquid and topping with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this escarole recipe is ready to be devoured.
Pasta With Italian Chicken Sausage, Escarole And Beans
Escarole has taken center stage in a surprising twist on how to cook it for a main entree – by pairing it with pasta! This hearty dish checks all the boxes, combining veggies, carbs, and protein in a deliciously satisfying way. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, using similar ingredients as other dishes but presenting them in a fresh and exciting manner. To start, give the escarole a good cleaning and tear it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook your pasta of choice until al dente, then set it aside for later. Next, sauté some onions and garlic before adding in Italian chicken sausage – the aroma alone will have you craving more! Set the sausage aside and get started on the chicken broth, beans, and escarole mixture. Once that’s cooking nicely, add the sausage back into the pot along with the pasta, and season to taste. The result is a comforting, bone-warming dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Chicken Escarole Soup With Egg & Pasta
I’m thrilled to share that this escarole recipe has become a staple in my kitchen! Its unique flavor profile reminds me of egg drop soup, another favorite of mine. What sets it apart is its rich medley of ingredients – so be sure to take stock before you start cooking. Although the recipe involves multiple steps, I assure you they’re straightforward and easy to execute. The best part?
This hearty dish strikes a perfect balance between tender veggies, juicy chicken, satisfying pasta, and of course, escarole, all in just the right proportions.
Ravioli & Escarole Lasagna
One creative way to cook escarole is by incorporating it into a classic lasagna dish. This comforting and layered masterpiece features five distinct layers: browned sausage and sautéed escarole, followed by tomato sauce, ravioli, melted mozzarella cheese, and finally more of that gooey goodness. The combination of flavors and textures results in a truly satisfying culinary experience that’s hard to resist.
Escarole Soup
For those who appreciate straightforward meals, a few escarole recipes can be quite accommodating. One such example is a minimalist soup that prioritizes the flavor profiles of the broth and escarole without relying on excessive additions.
This recipe commences with the standard trifecta of oil, onions, and garlic, followed by chicken stock, Parmesan cheese rind, and escarole. The mixture then simmers to desired consistency, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
In parallel, prepare the pasta separately, ensuring it’s cooked to your liking.
Upon serving, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the soup, followed by a layering of pasta and finally, pouring the savory soup over the top. This unassuming yet satisfying combination is sure to please.
Escarole-Stuffed Pizza-Pizza Di Scarola
Italian cuisine is renowned for its creativity, and one dish that stands out as a perfect example is the escarole pizza from Naples. This double-crust delight may seem unusual at first, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. To get started, make sure you have your pizza dough prepared ahead of time – whether it’s using their recipe or your own tried-and-true method. The process may require some effort, but the payoff is well worth it.
With crust, escarole, garlic, olive oil, Romano cheese, and black olives all coming together in harmony, this pizza is a true taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
Garlicky Salmon Pasta With Escarole
When it comes to whipping up a quick meal, this garlicky light salmon pasta is a game-changer. The star of the show is Collezione Bucatini – a long, thick shape that’s perfect for sopping up all the flavorful goodness. Of course, you can substitute in your favorite spaghetti-style pasta if you prefer. To get started, cook the salmon separately while simultaneously sautéing the escarole with some aromatic garlic. Once both components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
Simply add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until coated. The final touches come in the form of grated Pecorino Romano, crushed red pepper, and flaked salmon – a trifecta of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. To finish things off, drizzle on some olive oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an added layer of creaminess and crunch.
Acorn Squash And Escarole Salad
As I ventured into new territory with these unique escarole lettuce recipes, this particular one was an exciting discovery! To bring it all together, I followed a simple yet flavorful process.
First, I started by toasting and skinning hazelnuts, allowing them to cool before chopping them up. This step added a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Next, I tossed diced acorn squash with olive oil, coriander, salt, and pepper, then roasted it until it reached tender perfection.
The buttermilk mixture was another crucial component, comprising a blend of buttermilk, mayo, garlic, salt, and pepper. This creamy element brought everything together harmoniously.
Finally, I constructed the final product by placing half the arugula and escarole on a platter to create the base, followed by adding equal parts of roasted squash, chopped hazelnuts, and pomegranate seeds on top. A repeat of these layers completed the visual appeal.
Once served, I simply passed the Bettermilk drizzle as a finishing touch – a delightful flourish that elevated the entire experience!
Escarole And Brown Rice Soup
This recipe for Escarole And Brown Rice Soup is a true winner, boasting both low calorie count and impressive filling power. What’s more, its hearty nature makes it an excellent option for a quick lunch or as a side dish for a satisfying dinner. Whether served with crusty bread and some fresh fruit or paired with a robust entree and crisp salad, this soup is sure to please. To start, sauté shallots and celery in oil until they’re nicely coated, then add the brown rice and give it a good stir.
Next, introduce the escarole and continue stirring until it starts to wilt. Finally, pour in some rich broth and let everything simmer away, covered, until the rice is cooked to perfection. Season to taste, then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
The bottom line
As we’ve explored various escarole recipes, I trust that you’re now inspired to venture beyond the familiar and explore the versatility of this underrated vegetable. Its unique flavor profile and texture make it an excellent addition to a wide range of dishes, from soups to salads and beyond.