Escarole With Garlic and Bread Crumbs Recipe
Description
Escarole is a robust, bitter green that comes alive when sautéed with fresh garlic, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. This recipe, inspired by “The North End Italian Cookbook,” involves a quick blanching step to preserve the vibrant green color of the escarole while softening its inherent bitterness. The addition of fried breadcrumbs and a hint of red pepper flakes elevates this dish into something truly exceptional, making it a fantastic accompaniment or a light main dish. Perfect for a healthy dinner or as a side, this recipe is both quick to prepare and budget-friendly.
Recipe Details
| Category | Greens |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Aggregated Rating | 4/5 |
| Review Count | 3 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 188.4 |
| Total Fat | 14.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 99.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 3.9 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Escarole |
| 2 | Tablespoons Olive Oil |
| 2 | Cloves Garlic (sliced) |
| 3-4 | Pinches Red Pepper Flakes |
| 1/4 | Cup Breadcrumbs |
Instructions
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Prepare the Escarole: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. While waiting for the water to heat, coarsely chop the escarole into bite-sized pieces to facilitate even cooking and blending of flavors.
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Blanch the Greens: Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the chopped escarole to the pot. Allow it to cook for 2 minutes. This brief blanching not only softens the bitterness of the escarole but also keeps its bright green color intact. After the time has elapsed, drain the escarole and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process, ensuring it maintains its vibrant hue and crunchy texture.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a light golden brown. This process will infuse the oil with a robust garlic flavor while also providing a spicy kick from the red pepper flakes.
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Toast the Breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes, continuing to cook until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Stir frequently to ensure they toast evenly and don’t burn, as this will add a delightful crunch to your dish.
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Combine with Escarole: With the breadcrumbs nicely browned, increase the heat to high. Introduce the blanched escarole into the skillet, tossing everything together. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced. Sauté the mixture until the escarole is heated through, allowing it to absorb the garlicky, spicy oil and mix harmoniously with the breadcrumbs.
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Serve: Once everything is heated and well-mixed, transfer the escarole to a serving bowl. To finish, drizzle any remaining oil from the skillet over the top, enhancing both the flavor and presentation. This dish is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to shine through with every bite.
Conclusion
Escarole With Garlic and Bread Crumbs is an easy, inexpensive dish that is perfect for anyone seeking a quick and nutritious meal. Whether enjoyed as a light main dish or served as a delightful side, this recipe captures the essence of Italian home cooking, showcasing how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Pair it with your favorite protein or serve it alongside pasta for a complete meal that your family will love. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures, all while reaping the health benefits of this lovely green!
