Braised Escarole With Tomatoes Recipes

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 PANCETTA

Steps:

• Cook 8 ounces chopped pancetta in a large pot over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add 1 sliced onion and 3 sliced garlic cloves to the pot and cook, stirring, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes; add to the pancetta. Increase the heat to high; add 3 heads chopped escarole, press down and cook, undisturbed, 4 minutes. Toss, season with salt and pepper and continue to cook, stirring, until wilted, 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium high; stir in 3/4 cup white wine, then the pancetta mixture. Cook until reduced by half, 4 minutes, then cover and cook until the escarole is tender, 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

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.

BRAISED ESCAROLE WITH OLIVES AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the oil, shallots, garlic and pepper flakes, if using, then season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until the shallots are soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the olives and raisins and stir to combine. Add the chopped escarole and season with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and coat the escarole in the flavors. Cover with the lid and allow to steam for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring often, until the liquid has evaporated and the greens are tender, another 3 minutes.

BRAISED ESCAROLE WITH TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook 3 sliced garlic cloves in olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until golden. Add 1 large head chopped escarole in batches, season with salt and red pepper flakes and cook until just wilted, 3 minutes. Add one 14-ounce can diced tomatoes; cook until the liquid is reduced, 7 minutes. Stir in 2 teaspoons chopped oregano; season with salt. Drizzle with olive oil and top with grated parmesan.