While vegetables can sometimes seem dull, there are many ways to bring excitement to the table. Chicory is often overlooked, but its unique flavor and versatility make it a great addition to any meal. With its woody and slightly bitter taste, it’s perfect for adding depth to a dish. Whether you enjoy it in a simple grilled salad or as a caramelized side dish to your favorite meats, chicory is sure to impress.
By exploring new ways to prepare this underrated vegetable, you can fall back in love with the culinary possibilities that veggies offer.
Sauteed Chicory Greens
Elevate your mealtime with a quick and effortless side dish that’s bursting with flavor! Sauteed chicory greens, cooked in a mere 12 minutes, are the perfect solution for a stress-free evening. By combining the natural sweetness of olive oil with the pungency of garlic and a pinch of salt, these unassuming greens reveal their hidden charm. Say goodbye to elaborate preparations and hello to a deliciously simple addition to your daily meals.
Caramelised Chicory with Orange and Thyme
When it comes to caramelized chicory with orange and thyme, the harmonious union of bitter and sweet flavors is truly sublime. The humble chicory, with its compact, crisp leaves and subtle bitterness, provides a delightful contrast to the rich, velvety sweetness of the caramelization process. This unique combination makes it an exemplary side dish that pairs exquisitely with grilled meats, fish, or even hearty stews.
Braised Chicory Three Ways
Indulge in a trio of mouth-watering braised chicory recipes that showcase the versatility of this underrated vegetable. By cooking chicory under the grill with blue cheese and walnuts, on the hob with fennel, lemon, and pine nuts, or roasted with cannellini beans, you’ll discover the rich nutty flavors hidden within. With three distinct options to try, you’re bound to find your new favorite way to enjoy braised chicory.
Grilled Chicory Salad With Chile-Fennel Dressing
Trade in your ordinary romaine lettuce salad for a show-stopping grilled chicory salad. As you grill the chicory, its natural sharpness begins to give way to subtle sweetness and nutty undertones, while the outer leaves caramelize and take on a smoky flavor profile. To elevate this unique combination even further, pair it with a bold and pungent dressing that can stand up to the chicory’s robust character.
This recipe’s serrano chili-based concoction is the perfect marriage of flavors, delivering a truly sensational culinary experience.
Grilled Chicory (Endive) with Feta and Hazelnuts
Indulge your dinner guests in the underrated charm of chicory, also known as endive, by transforming it into a delectable grilled delight. This simplicity-packed recipe showcases the vegetable’s natural sweetness when pan-fried to perfection. The crowning glory is achieved through a tangy balsamic glaze, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted hazelnuts – a harmonious combination that’s sure to win over even the most discerning palates.
Bar Tartine’s Chicory Salad with Anchovy Dressing
Bar Tartine’s innovative garden green salad, boasting a trifecta of flavors, showcases the harmonious union of bitter chicories, sweet and crunchy daikon radishes, and pungent fennel. The addition of green onions and an anchovy-infused dressing elevates each bite to unprecedented heights. What’s more, this salad is incredibly versatile – its firm leaves allow it to hold up remarkably well when prepared ahead of time, ensuring a delightful experience with every serving.
Chicory Caesar Salad
If you’re a fan of Caesar salads, you’ll appreciate this creative variation that incorporates the nutty flavor of chicory. This refreshing salad bursts with flavor thanks to its tangy anchovy-lemon vinaigrette. Not only will it add a burst of color to your table, but its bright hues also make it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings or quick lunches. It’s equally delicious when paired with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Braised Chicory Gratin with Gruyère
Indulge your senses in this rich, garlicky mustard cream sauce that perfectly complements the tender, velvety chicory gratin smothered in melted Gruyère. The humble vegetable takes center stage, transformed through a slow-cooking process that renders it impossibly soft and flavorful after being bathed in white wine. Pair this indulgent dish with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a satisfying meal that can even be elevated by the addition of a hearty steak.
Chicory Gratin with Ham and Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the harmonious union of salty ham, tender chicory, and a rich, velvety cream sauce, all coming together in a culinary symphony that will leave you craving more. And the best part? It’s remarkably quick to prepare, requiring only 35 minutes of your time. Perfect for a mid-week pick-me-up or a cozy comfort meal with loved ones, this indulgent dish is sure to become an instant favorite.
Chicory Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan
Transform your salad routine with a nutrient-dense and mouth-watering chicory salad that’s ready in just 7 minutes! The simplicity of this dish is what truly impresses, allowing the natural flavors of chicory, parmesan, and roasted walnuts to shine through. A tangy mustard and vinegar dressing brings everything together in perfect harmony.
Passatelli in Broth with Chicken and Chicory
While many pasta enthusiasts are familiar with traditional spaghetti, Passatelli offers a delightful departure from the norm. This unique pasta is crafted by combining parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs, yielding a rich and satisfying alternative. When paired with chicken, chicory, and homemade Passatelli, this one-pot meal becomes a true culinary masterpiece.
The dish’s warm flavors are elevated by the tender, slow-cooked chicory leaves, which absorb the savory essence of the chicken broth to perfection.
Chicken Breast and Sautéed Chicory in Marsala Sauce
With just 10 essential ingredients, this chicken and chicory in marsala sauce recipe offers a satisfying, savory meal that’s both tender and flavorful. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in the speed at which it can be prepared – perfect for individuals with hectic lifestyles. Meanwhile, the marsala wine adds an unparalleled richness to the dish, yielding a glossy, sweet sauce that is sure to become a new favorite.
Whether you’re short on time or looking to indulge in a hearty meal, this recipe has got you covered.
Grilled Chicory with Goat Cheese from the Oven
This delightful oven-grilled chicory with goat cheese is my go-to veggie side dish when I’m craving something flavorful and satisfying. The process of cooking the chicory leaves in the oven results in a beautiful caramelization, imparting a rich smokiness that beautifully complements the creamy goat cheese. It’s incredibly versatile, too – pair it with your favorite grilled meats, fish, or pasta for a well-rounded meal.
Rump Steak and Chicory Salad
While traditional salads are often served chilled, there’s something special about a warm salad that can’t be replicated with cold ingredients. The combination of tender rump steak and grilled chicory in this recipe is a match made in heaven. The rich flavors of the steak complement the earthy sweetness of the chicory perfectly, and the walnut oil and vinegar dressing brings everything together. This warm salad is a perfect choice for summer days when you want something fresh and satisfying.
And with its irresistible flavor combination, it’s no wonder this has become my go-to lunch option.
Steak Salad with Chicory
The combination of bitter chicory leaves, sweet apples, and caramelized onions creates a harmonious balance in this warm salad. But what truly elevates the dish is the tender, juicy slices of steak that add an extra layer of depth and sophistication. The pairing has revitalized my enthusiasm for salads, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you.
Chicory Salad with Pickled Squash
The Tournant catering team, comprising Chefs Jaret Foster and Mona Johnson, has generously shared this exceptional salad with us. Its bright and tangy flavors serve as the ideal contrast to a hearty Thanksgiving feast. The combination of parsley, chicory, pickled winter squash, and apple cider vinaigrette yields a harmonious balance of acidity that effectively cleanses the palate. This side salad is truly everything one could ask for in terms of flavor and presentation.
Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Chicory Salad
A quick and effortless salad that combines the tanginess of blue cheese with the crunch of walnuts and chicory is a match made in heaven. In just 15 minutes, you can have this delightful salad ready to accompany your main course or serve as a satisfying lunch. Flexibility is key here – feel free to swap out Roquefort cheese for any other type of blue cheese that suits your taste buds. The result is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
Beet, Citrus & Chicory Salad
Imagine a salad that’s more than just a tasty meal – it’s an artful masterpiece that commands attention. This vibrant beet, citrus, and chicory salad is precisely that. Its explosion of colors and fresh flavors ensures it will be the star of any lunch or dinner setting. The sweetness of the citrus segments mingles with the earthy notes of olive oil, while creamy ricotta and crunchy pistachios add delightful textures to the mix. The result is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
Chicory with Beetroot and Feta
Ready to trade in your mundane greens for something more exciting? This innovative combination of chicory, beetroot, and feta is the perfect way to mix things up. The raw chicory leaves serve as an edible utensil, allowing you to scoop up a delicious blend of sweet beetroot, crumbled feta, and rich walnut oil. Not only does this salad offer a unique flavor profile, but it’s also a fantastic finger food option that’s easy to grab and go. So why not shake things up and try something new?
Chicory Soup
As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a steaming bowl of vegetable soup that warms the soul. This comforting dish is not only filling but also packed with flavor – you might just find yourself craving seconds (or thirds!). To elevate this already delicious recipe to new heights, simply drizzle a bit of parsley oil on top.
For an added touch of sophistication, consider garnishing with finely chopped chicory, allowing its crunchy texture and subtle bitterness to balance out the richness of the soup perfectly.
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
