How do you prepare escarole? Escarole, a leafy green vegetable, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to add a nutritious boost to your salad or want to experiment with a new pasta recipe, learning how to prepare escarole is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing escarole, from selecting the best leaves to cooking it to perfection.
Escarole is a member of the chicory family and is known for its bitter taste, which can be mellowed out with proper preparation. To start, you’ll want to choose fresh escarole that has vibrant green leaves and no signs of wilting or discoloration. Once you have your escarole, follow these steps to prepare it for your next culinary creation:
1. Wash the Escarole: Begin by rinsing the escarole leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Escarole is often grown in nutrient-rich soil, so it’s important to wash it thoroughly.
2. Remove the Stems: After washing, remove the thick stems from the leaves. These can be discarded or saved for another use, such as making stock.
3. Chop the Leaves: Depending on your recipe, you may need to chop the escarole leaves into smaller pieces. This can be done using a knife or a food processor. Be sure to chop the leaves into a consistent size for even cooking.
4. Blanch the Escarole (Optional): If you’re using escarole in a dish that requires a softer texture, such as a soup or stew, you may want to blanch the leaves first. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the escarole, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Cook the Escarole: Once prepared, you can cook the escarole in a variety of ways. It can be sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stews. Sautéing is a popular method, as it allows the escarole to wilt and release its flavors. Simply heat some oil in a pan, add the escarole, and cook until it’s tender and slightly wilted.
6. Season and Serve: Season your prepared escarole with your favorite herbs and spices. Lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil are classic choices that complement the bitter taste of escarole. Serve it as a side dish, add it to pasta, or incorporate it into a hearty salad.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to prepare escarole with ease and enjoy its health benefits and delicious taste. Remember that the key to cooking escarole is to treat it gently and not overcook it, as this can make it too bitter. With practice, you’ll be able to master the art of preparing escarole and incorporate it into your culinary repertoire.
