Sautéed Chicory (Cicoria alla Romana) Recipe Guide

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Sautéed Chicory

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Skillet, pot, cutting board, knife, colander

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 pound chicory dandelion greens or escarole work as substitutes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Method
• Prepare the Greens:
• Trim the tough ends of the chicory and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Repeat if needed to remove all dirt.
• Blanch the greens in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics:
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
• Cook the Greens:
• Add the blanched chicory to the skillet, increasing the heat to medium.
• Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and evenly coated with oil.
• Season and Serve:
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve warm as a side dish or with crusty bread.
• Variations
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked cannellini beans or a poached egg for a complete meal.
• Extra Flavor: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, grated Pecorino Romano, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Swap Greens: Use spinach, kale, or chard as milder alternatives.
• Herbs & Spices: Add rosemary, thyme, or a dash of nutmeg for depth.
• Substitutions for Dietary Needs
• For a low-fat version, reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon.
• To make it more kid-friendly, mix the greens with mashed potatoes or pasta.

Keyword Sautéed Chicory

In Italian cuisine, sautéed chicory (Cicoria alla Romana) is a traditional side dish that beautifully balances bitterness with savory flavors. Chicory is particularly beloved in Lazio, including Rome, where its bold taste pairs well with hearty mains. Let me show you how I make this dish, sharing insights from my own personal experience to make the process approachable and delicious for beginners.

Notes on What to Expect

This dish captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking: simple yet flavorful. The chicory has a slight bitterness, mellowed by blanching and complemented by the savory garlic and olive oil. Expect a tender texture with occasional crispy edges.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~70
• Cost of Ingredients: Budget-friendly (~$5)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Side Dish
• Equipment Needed: Skillet, pot, cutting board, knife, colander
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory   #Sautéed Chicory  here.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicory (dandelion greens or escarole work as substitutes)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory   #Sautéed Chicory  here.

Method

1. Prepare the Greens:
   • Trim the tough ends of the chicory and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Repeat if needed to remove all dirt.
   • Blanch the greens in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
3. Cook the Greens:
   • Add the blanched chicory to the skillet, increasing the heat to medium.
   • Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and evenly coated with oil.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Serve warm as a side dish or with crusty bread.

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked cannellini beans or a poached egg for a complete meal.
• Extra Flavor: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, grated Pecorino Romano, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Swap Greens: Use spinach, kale, or chard as milder alternatives.
• Herbs & Spices: Add rosemary, thyme, or a dash of nutmeg for depth.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• For a low-fat version, reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon.
• To make it more kid-friendly, mix the greens with mashed potatoes or pasta.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory   #Sautéed Chicory  here.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g

So….

I hope this guide has made preparing sautéed chicory seem a little less daunting. Have you tried this dish before, or is it new to you? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so leave your honest comment, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian techniques and blends insights from multiple resources to ensure accuracy and ease for home cooks​