Italian Utica Greens Sauteed Escarole 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.

UTICA GREENS (ESCAROLE)

Steps:

• Clean and rinse escarole twice; chop in large pieces.
• Boil down for 5 or 6 minutes so it's tender and wilted.
• Place olive oil in a saute pan and heat.
• Add chopped garlic and prosciutto and render for 2 or 3 minutes. Do not burn garlic.
• Add seeded peppers and cook another minute or so.
• Add the escarole and all the other ingredients in the pan.
• Gradually add the bread crumbs and grated cheese, tossing gently until blended.
• Taste for final salt and pepper seasoning.
• Place in a casserole; sprinkle a little of the bread crumbs and place under a broiler for 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

ITALIAN UTICA GREENS SAUTEED ESCAROLE RECIPE

Steps:

• First Version
• 4 lb escarole (about 4 heads), cored and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for drizzling
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
• Italian Flavored Bread Crumbs
• Locatelli cheese grated
• Wash escarole in a sinkful of hot water, lift to drain.
• Cook in a heavy pot full of boiling salted water for 30 minutes, drain.
• Heat oil in the same pot over medium heat, saute garlic and red pepper flakes with oil for around 1 minute.
• Add escarole, stirring to coat evenly with oil.
• Place on low heat and saute until tender around 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and more red pepper flakes if you love it hot!
• Spoon onto a large platter and drizzle with a good grade extra virgin olive oil,
• Italian flavored bread crumbs, and Locatelli cheese grated or shredded mozzarella.
• Second Version
• (This version is found in most Central NY Utica/Rome areas)
• 1 large escarole (or 2 small heads)
• 4 slices prosciutto-thin slices, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 long Italian hot peppers, seeded & julienned
• 1/2 cup Italian flavored breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper black pepper and the pinch of salt
• Follow directions above except saute the garlic, peppers in oil with prosciutto first, add cooked escarole with spices, add broth, top with cheese and breadcrumbs at the end.
• Third Version A Version of Greens Morelle
• Utica Greens All Dressed Up
• (a whole meal in itself!)
• Cut and peel 4 potatoes into 1-inch chunks and fry until golden brown and crisp, set aside.
• 2 lbs of link Italian sausage cut in small pieces and fried, set aside.
• 6 slices of prosciutto, ham, or capicola ( Italian hot ham).
• Boil 2 heads of Escarole a little saltwater, slowly in a large pot simmer for 30 minutes.
• Drain and do the same procedure above to extract water.
• In a large frying pan: add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil boiled drained greens
• 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 jar of roasted peppers or use homemade roasted peppers, you can also use sweet cherry peppers or long hot peppers cut into strips
• 1/2 cup chicken broth, at the end
• optional chopped tomatoes
• In a large frying pan add oil saute; peppers and ham, add all spices. Add potatoes, sausage, and ham mix greens in stir, add the broth.
• Garnish: 1 cup shredded blend of provolone and mozzarella
• 1/2 cup of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 3/4 cup Locatelli or Parmesan grated cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• Add topping to greens mixture.
• Place in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with cheeses and flavored bread crumbs on top.
• Broil until cheese melts.