9 Best Escarole Recipes to Elevate Your Culinary Skills

Escarole is a versatile and flavorful green that is often overlooked in many kitchens. It can add a unique taste to a variety of dishes, making it a great choice for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. In this article, I will share my favorite nine escarole recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress.

As I explore these recipes, I will highlight different cooking methods and ingredients that complement escarole’s slightly bitter flavor. From hearty salads to comforting side dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These recipes will not only introduce you to escarole but also encourage you to experiment with this nutritious green.

1. Escarole and Bean Soup

Escarole and bean soup is a hearty dish that combines the bitter greens of escarole with the creamy texture of beans. This soup is nutritious and filling, making it a perfect meal option.

I find this recipe quite easy to make. It requires basic ingredients that are commonly available.

To prepare, I start with these simple steps:

1. Sauté: In a large pot, I heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they are soft.
2. Add: Next, I add chopped escarole and continue cooking until it wilts.
3. Combine: I then stir in cooked beans and vegetable broth, allowing it to simmer.
4. Season: Finally, I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

The total cooking time is about 30 minutes. This soup is perfect for any occasion and offers a warm, comforting flavor.

2. Escarole Caesar Salad

Escarole Caesar Salad is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad. It uses escarole instead of romaine, giving it a unique flavor and texture. Escarole is slightly bitter, which adds depth to the salad.

Preparing this salad is quite easy and takes little time. I enjoy making it when I want a quick yet satisfying meal. Here’s how I do it:

1. Gather Ingredients: I need escarole, garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Wash and Chop: First, I wash the escarole leaves thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Dressing: I mix minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
4. Combine: Next, I toss the escarole in the dressing until evenly coated.
5. Serve: Finally, I sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy.

This recipe offers a delightful variation on the traditional Caesar. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal.

3. Garlic Sauteed Escarole

Garlic Sauteed Escarole is a simple and delicious dish. Escarole is a leafy green that has a slightly bitter taste, which balances well with garlic. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a great side dish.

To make Garlic Sauteed Escarole, I start by gathering my ingredients. I need escarole, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Wash the Escarole: I rinse the escarole under cold water and then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Cook the Garlic: I add 2 minced garlic cloves to the oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Escarole: Next, I add the chopped escarole to the skillet. I stir it well to coat with the garlicky oil.
5. Sauté: I cook the escarole for about 5-7 minutes until it wilts down, stirring occasionally.
6. Season: Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

This dish pairs well with meats or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a quick and tasty way to incorporate greens into my meal.

4. Escarole with White Beans and Sausage

Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that has a mild, slightly bitter taste. It is often used in Italian cooking, making it a perfect match for white beans and sausage.

This dish is easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes. It combines hearty flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal.

To make it, I follow these steps:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in chopped escarole and cook for about 5 minutes, until wilted.
4. Add drained white beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe is a great way to enjoy escarole’s unique flavor while benefiting from the protein in sausage and the fiber in white beans. It’s a comforting dish that’s also quick and simple to make.

5. Escarole and Chickpea Stew

Escarole is a leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter taste, often used in soups and stews. Its hearty texture holds up well during cooking, making it perfect for warm dishes.

I find that making escarole and chickpea stew is quite easy. The combination of flavors is satisfying and comforting. Here are the steps I follow.

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 can of drained chickpeas and 4 cups of chopped escarole.
4. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

This stew is simple yet delicious, providing a great way to enjoy escarole and chickpeas together.

6. Pasta with Escarole and Tomatoes

Pasta with escarole and tomatoes is a simple and tasty dish. Escarole is a leafy green with a slightly bitter taste. It pairs well with the sweetness of tomatoes.

Making this dish is easy and quick. I usually prepare it in about 30 minutes. Here’s how I do it:

1. Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan.
3. Add 3 chopped garlic cloves to the pan and sauté them for 1 minute.
4. Then, add 4 cups of chopped escarole and cook until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Drain the pasta and combine it with the escarole and tomato mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

This dish is satisfying and offers a healthy twist on traditional pasta recipes. The combination of flavors is enjoyable and makes for a great weeknight dinner.

7. Escarole and Bacon Pizza

Escarole and bacon pizza combines rich flavors for a delicious meal. Escarole is a leafy green that’s slightly bitter, making it a great match with crispy bacon.

I find this pizza easy to make. It requires just a few main ingredients. You will need a pizza crust, escarole, bacon, garlic, olive oil, and cheese.

Here are the steps I follow to prepare it:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Cook 4-6 strips of bacon in a pan until very crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté 2 cups of chopped escarole with 2 cloves of minced garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
5. Spread the cooked escarole evenly over the crust.
6. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it on top.
7. Add cheese as desired, such as mozzarella or Parmesan.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.

This pizza is a wonderful way to enjoy escarole, and it’s perfect for any gathering.

8. Stuffed Escarole Leaves

Stuffed escarole leaves are a tasty way to enjoy this leafy green. The escarole’s slightly bitter flavor pairs well with savory fillings. I find this dish both satisfying and easy to make.

To prepare stuffed escarole leaves, I start by gathering my ingredients. I often use ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices for the filling. The first step is to blanch the escarole leaves in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. This softens them for easier rolling.

Next, I prepare the filling in a bowl. I mix cooked meat, cooked rice, and my choice of seasonings. After the leaves cool, I place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of each leaf. I then roll the leaves tightly and secure them with toothpicks if needed.

I place the stuffed leaves in a baking dish and cover them with sauce. Finally, I bake them at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. This dish makes a great main course and is perfect for family meals.

9. Sautéed Escarole with Lemon

Sautéed escarole with lemon is a simple, delicious dish. Escarole is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter flavor. Cooking it helps to soften this bitterness, making it a great addition to meals.

Making sautéed escarole with lemon is easy and quick. I typically take around 10 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, follow these steps:

1. Rinse and chop 1 head of escarole into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped escarole to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes until wilted.
4. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the cooked escarole.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This dish works well as a side or a light main course. The lemon adds brightness, balancing the greens’ richness. Enjoy the fresh flavors!

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Escarole?

Escarole is a leafy green that offers many health benefits. This vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals while being low in calories and high in fiber. I find it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

How Is Escarole Rich in Vitamins and Minerals?

Escarole is loaded with essential vitamins. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for various body functions.

• Vitamin A: Supports eye health and immune function.
• Vitamin C: Helps with skin health and boosts the immune system.
• Vitamin K: Plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.

In addition to vitamins, escarole has important minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

• Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure.
• Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.

Including escarole in my meals gives me a nutrient boost.

Why Is Escarole a Low-Calorie, High-Fiber Food?

Escarole is a smart choice for those watching their weight. It is low in calories, with only about 9 calories per cup. This makes it easy to add to dishes without worrying about excessive calorie intake.

At the same time, it is high in dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestion and helps keep me feeling full.

• Improved Digestion: Fiber aids in regular bowel movements.
• Satiety: Eating fiber-rich foods can help prevent overeating.

Incorporating escarole into my diet can support weight management and promote overall health.

What Are the Best Cooking Tips for Escarole?

When preparing escarole, selecting fresh leaves and using proper cooking methods are crucial. The quality of escarole can greatly affect the flavor and texture of your dishes. Here are some key tips that can help.

How Do You Select Fresh Escarole?

To choose the best escarole, look for heads that are firm and compact. The leaves should be a vibrant green, with no signs of wilting or browning. Fresh escarole may have some yellow-tipped leaves, which is acceptable but avoid heads that appear limp.

I also check for pests or blemishes. It’s best to buy escarole from a reliable source, like a local farm or farmer’s market. If you can, ask whether it’s organic. Fresh escarole should feel heavy for its size, indicating moisture and freshness.

What Are the Most Effective Preparation Methods for Escarole?

Before cooking, I always rinse escarole thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. After washing, I gently pat the leaves dry with a clean towel. One popular method is sautéing, which brings out its natural flavors.

I might chop the escarole into bite-sized pieces for salads or soups. It’s also delicious when used in stir-fries. Cooking escarole for a short time retains its crispness and nutrients. You can add it near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Lastly, adding ingredients like garlic or red pepper flakes during cooking enhances the taste of escarole.