Escarole Or Radicchio Braised With Mint 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 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.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH ESCAROLE AND RADICCHIO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Heat a large braiser pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Sprinkle the lamb shanks all over with 2 teaspoons salt. When the pan and oil are hot, sear the shanks on all sides until deep brown, rotating often, about 8 minutes. Remove the lamb to a plate.
• To the pan, add the carrots, celery, onions and garlic and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the oregano, rosemary and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes to caramelize the paste. Deglaze the pan with the wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, then add the lamb shanks back to the pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover the pan.
• Transfer the pan to the oven and cook until the lamb is fork tender, about 2 hours, turning the shanks halfway through.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the escarole and radicchio and toss well to coat. Arrange the bitter greens on a large serving platter.
• When the lamb is tender, remove the shanks to the platter with the greens. Simmer the sauce until reduced slightly, an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Spoon some of the sauce over the lamb. Serve the remaining sauce on the side, for guests to help themselves. Finish the platter by grating some fresh horseradish over the lamb.

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.