Cicoria in Padella (Sautéed Chicory) Recipe Guide

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#Cicoria in Padella

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large skillet, knife, cutting board, measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 pound of fresh chicory or endive if chicory is unavailable
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 –3 cloves of garlic thinly sliced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes optional for heat
• Juice of half a lemon optional, for brightness

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicory
• Wash and Trim: Rinse the chicory thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends and remove any wilted leaves. If the chicory is particularly tough, you can peel away the outer leaves.
• Cut: Chop the chicory into 2-3 inch pieces, keeping the stems and leaves together.
• Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt. Adjust the heat if necessary.
• Step 3: Cook the Chicory
• Add Chicory: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the chopped chicory to the skillet. Stir well to coat the leaves with oil and garlic.
• Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir occasionally and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicory is tender but still vibrant green. The chicory will reduce in volume as it cooks.
• Step 4: Finishing Touches
• Add Lemon Juice: If using, squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked chicory and stir to combine. This adds a nice tang and brightens the flavors.
• Taste and Adjust: Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
• Step 5: Serve
• Plating: Transfer the sautéed chicory to a serving dish. You can drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for added flavor if desired.
• Enjoy: Serve warm as a side dish or a light main dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or on its own with crusty bread.
• Variations
• Add Protein: Toss in some sautéed white beans for added protein and creaminess.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese over the top before serving for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Cicoria in Padella is a delightful Italian dish made from chicory, a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and olive oil. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a nutritious addition to any meal, making it a staple in Italian cuisine. From my own personal experience, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy greens, and it’s especially great as a side dish or a light main course. Let me show you how I make this dish.

Notes on What to Expect

Expect a wonderfully savory and slightly bitter dish with the rich flavor of garlic and olive oil. The chicory should be tender but still retain some bite, making it a satisfying and healthful addition to your meal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $8–$12 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Side Dish
• Equipment Needed: Large skillet, knife, cutting board, measuring spoons
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory   #cicoriainpadella  here.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh chicory (or endive if chicory is unavailable)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2–3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory   #cicoriainpadella  here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicory

1. Wash and Trim: Rinse the chicory thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends and remove any wilted leaves. If the chicory is particularly tough, you can peel away the outer leaves.
2. Cut: Chop the chicory into 2-3 inch pieces, keeping the stems and leaves together.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt. Adjust the heat if necessary.

Step 3: Cook the Chicory

1. Add Chicory: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the chopped chicory to the skillet. Stir well to coat the leaves with oil and garlic.
2. Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir occasionally and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicory is tender but still vibrant green. The chicory will reduce in volume as it cooks.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Add Lemon Juice: If using, squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked chicory and stir to combine. This adds a nice tang and brightens the flavors.
2. Taste and Adjust: Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plating: Transfer the sautéed chicory to a serving dish. You can drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for added flavor if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm as a side dish or a light main dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or on its own with crusty bread.

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in some sautéed white beans for added protein and creaminess.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese over the top before serving for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory   #cicoriainpadella  here.

Tips

• Freshness Matters: Use fresh chicory for the best taste and texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free.
• Vegan: The recipe is vegan-friendly as is; just omit any cheese toppings.
• Low-FODMAP: For a low-FODMAP version, substitute garlic with garlic-infused olive oil.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 3g

I hope this guide has made making Cicoria in Padella seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!