does escarole need to be cooked

You can use escarole raw in salads, use it braised in soups (especially with white beans and sausage), or grill it. My favorite way to enjoy escarole was taught to me by my friend chef Kathi Riley, formerly of Chez Panisse and Zuni Cafe. It’s a simple sauté of the greens in olive oil with garlic.
does escarole need to be cooked

Escarole and Meatball Soup

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon
  • 8-quart (7.5 liter) saucepan
  • Ladle

Spaghetti with Escarole and Bacon

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Deep skillet with lid
  • Spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • 5-quart (4.7 liters) pot
  • Colander or strainer

Why You Should Be Buying Escarole

FAQ

Can I eat escarole raw?

Escarole is a versatile veggie but lends itself particularly well to raw salads and heartier dishes. Its outer leaves are bitter and chewy, while its yellow inner leaves are sweeter and tenderer. An acid like lemon juice or vinegar counters the bitterness of raw escarole.

How do you take the bitterness out of escarole?

How Do You Take the Bitterness Out of Escarole? While escarole isn’t as inherently bitter as broccoli rabe or radicchio, it does have a mild bitterness to it. It’s easy to tame, however, by cooking it in garlicky olive oil and offsetting the bitter with a splash of tangy lemon juice at the end.

Do you eat the white part of escarole?

Toss raw escarole leaves (both the green and white ends work) with a lemon vinaigrette, a horseradish-mustard dressing, or a warm anchovy dressing to wilt the leaves a little bit. Just note that escarole is delightfully bitter; if that bothers you, add a little honey to your dressing.

How to cook escarole leaves?

Before using the vegetable raw in a salad or cooking it, give it a thorough rinse since dirt can get trapped between the leaves. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Once the garlic starts to cook and is fragrant, add the escarole leaves to the pan.

How to cook escarole in a crock pot?

You should trim about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off of the bottoms. Boil the escarole for 5 minutes. Fill a large pot with water and add several pinches of salt. Turn the heat on to high and bring the water to boil. Add the washed escarole leaves and stir them a little. Boil the escarole for 5 minutes so it softens.

Can you cook escarole a day before?

Escarole can be sautéed (but not drizzled with oil) 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat in a large pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until hot. How would you rate Sauteed Escarole?

How do you cook escarole in a frying pan?

Add the escarole a few handfuls at a time, stirring after each addition so that they start to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and toss to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the escarole is just tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.

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