Braised Escarole Recipes

BRAISED ESCAROLE WITH CURRANTS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-low heat. Add pepper flakes; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic and almonds; cook until light golden, about 3 minutes. Add anchovies, if using; stir until mashed and well combined with the oil mixture. Add sherry; cook until most of liquid has evaporated. Add stock and sugar; stir until sugar has dissolved.
• Add escarole in batches, tossing and adding more as it wilts until all has been added to the pan. Cover; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
• Add currants; cook until escarole is tender, about 10 minutes more. Serve.

GRILLED ESCAROLE

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Thoroughly wash and dry the heads of escarole, and trim the root ends and any unruly, floppy leaves from the tops of the escarole heads, leaving the heads intact. Split the heads in half lengthwise, and brush the cut side of each half with about 1/2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the split heads with salt and pepper.
• Grill with cut sides down on the preheated grill until the escarole is wilted and has begun to brown, about 3 minutes.
• Sprinkle each grilled escarole head with about 1/2 tablespoon of blue cheese and 1/2 tablespoon of ranch dressing. Serve warm.

BRAISED ESCAROLE

Steps:

• Cut away and discard the white core of the escarole. Cut away and discard any tough stems. Cut the leaves crosswise in half. Drop the leaves in boiling water seasoned with a little salt. Let simmer 5 minutes. Drain well and press to extract moisture. Coarsely chop the greens.
• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the garlic. Cook briefly and add the escarole, salt and pepper. Add the pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, about 4 minutes.

SAUTEED ESCAROLE

Steps:

• Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
• Once the water has started boiling, add the chopped escarole, and simmer for about 5 minutes. The total time will vary based on how tough the leaves are.
• Meanwhile, over medium heat, drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
• Lower the heat to medium, add the sliced garlic (3-4 cloves) and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Take care not to let the garlic brown.
• If desired, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper
• Remove from heat.
• By this time, the parboiled escarole should be tender. Remove with a slotted spoon, allowing the excess water to drain off and place in a bowl. There will be a little bit of liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the bowl.
• Next, add the drained escarole to the pan of sauteed garlic along with a couple of tablespoons of the drained liquid.The oil might splatter a little so be careful.
• Return the pan back to medium heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. If there is still a bit of liquid left, raise the heat to cook it off.
• Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving dish and if desired serve with lemon wedges.

BRAISED ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC AND LEMON

Steps:

• Break off the leaves of the escarole and wash them individually, taking care to remove any soil at the base of the stems. Shake the leaves dry, stack them up, and slice the escarole crosswise into ribbons about 1 1/2-inches wide.
• Place a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Toss in the garlic, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and lemon slices; cook and stir for a couple of minutes, tossing to combine. Nestle the escarole into the pan and saute until it begins to wilt and shrink down, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle the escarole with a pinch of sugar and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the water and cover the pan. Simmer for 20 minutes until the escarole is tender.

BRAISED ESCAROLE WITH APPLES

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté apple, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized, about 2 minutes. Transfer apple to a dish with a slotted spoon.
• Cook shallot in remaining tablespoon butter over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add escarole and toss over moderately high heat until it begins to wilt, about 1 minute. Add vinegar and water and cook, covered, until escarole is tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in apple, pecans, and salt and pepper to taste and cook until just heated through.