In the realm of simple yet flavorful Italian dishes, Escarole with Garlic and Oil stands out as a testament to the culinary magic that can be conjured from humble ingredients. This classic Southern Italian dish, also known as Scarola Imbottita or Scarole alla Monachina, is a delightful medley of sautéed escarole, infused with the aromatic trinity of garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Its preparation is an ode to culinary minimalism, relying on the natural flavors of fresh, seasonal escarole to shine through. This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course, and its versatility extends to its compatibility with various dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the nuances of this beloved dish, with three enticing variations that cater to different taste buds and dietary needs: the classic Escarole with Garlic and Oil, a vegan-friendly rendition, and a gluten-free adaptation. Let the symphony of flavors dance on your palate as you discover the hidden depths of this seemingly unassuming dish.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SAUTEED ESCAROLE
This recipe for Sauteed Escarole provides a slightly sweet taste with an unbelievably silky texture. This Italian side dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free and delicious.
Provided by Maria Vannelli RD
Categories Side Dish
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Once the water has started boiling, add the chopped escarole, and simmer for about 5 minutes. The total time will vary based on how tough the leaves are.
- Meanwhile, over medium heat, drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the sliced garlic (3-4 cloves) and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Take care not to let the garlic brown.
- If desired, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper
- Remove from heat.
- By this time, the parboiled escarole should be tender. Remove with a slotted spoon, allowing the excess water to drain off and place in a bowl. There will be a little bit of liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the bowl.
- Next, add the drained escarole to the pan of sauteed garlic along with a couple of tablespoons of the drained liquid.The oil might splatter a little so be careful.
- Return the pan back to medium heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. If there is still a bit of liquid left, raise the heat to cook it off.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving dish and if desired serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 231 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 21 g, Sodium 51 mg, Fiber 7 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sugar 1 g
WILTED ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC, LEMON AND OIL
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-low heat with garlic and anchovy. Cook together 3 to 4 minutes to infuse garlic into oil. Remove the garlic cloves and stir oil to mix in the melted anchovies and add the red pepper flakes. Raise heat to medium-high. When oil ripples or begins to waft smoke, add greens and stir fry them 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice over the greens, toss, and serve.
ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC AND OIL
Provided by Pierre Franey
Categories easy, quick, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Pull the leaves of the escarole apart. Trim off the ends and cut out the core. Rinse well and shake off the excess water.
- Drop the escarole into boiling water with salt to taste. Simmer until the escarole is tender, about five minutes.
- Drain well. Squeeze to extract excess liquid.
- Heat the oil in a skillet and add the garlic. Cook until the garlic starts to brown (do not let it brown or it will become bitter). Add the escarole, stirring it around so that it heats evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 123, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 425 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams
ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC AND BREAD CRUMBS
Escarole is a bitter green and we love it sauteed with fresh garlic. A quick blanching keeps it bright green and tames some of it's bitterness. I found this version in "The North End Italian Cookbook". Fried bread crumbs and a few red pepper flakes makes this dish fantastic.
Provided by Lorac
Categories Greens
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Coarsely chop the escarole.
- Add to water, cook 2 minutes, drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook over medium heat until garlic is browned.
- Add bread crumbs and cook until browned.
- Turn heat to high, add escarole, season with salt and pepper, stir and toss until heated through.
- Place in a serving bowl and pour any oil left in the pan over the escarole.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 188.4, Fat 14.4, SaturatedFat 2, Sodium 99.9, Carbohydrate 13.2, Fiber 7.4, Sugar 1, Protein 3.9
SAUTEED ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC
When sautéed in olive oil, escarole needs little more than a bit of garlic and a touch of salt and pepper to make a satisfying side dish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Quick & Easy Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Add escarole, salt, and pepper. Raise heat to high; cook, stirring occasionally, until escarole is soft and white parts are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC
Provided by Robert Farrar Capon
Categories easy, quick, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 2 to 3 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a deep pot. Drop the escarole into the water all at once. Stir until it is submerged and allow the water to come back to a boil. Cook 1 to 2 minutes and remove the pot to the sink. Run cold water into the pot to stop the cooking and pour the escarole into a colander to drain. Press out excess moisture and reserve.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and saute the garlic in it until softened but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the drained escarole, raise the heat and saute, stirring constantly, until just heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 183, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 326 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams
SAUTéED ESCAROLE
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and anchovies, and cook, stirring, until the anchovies dissolve, about 2 minutes.
- Add the whole escarole leaves to the skillet, with a little water from washing still clinging to them, and season with the salt. Stir in the olives. Once the escarole begins to wilt, cover the skillet and cook until the leaves are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure the pan is not dry; if it is, add a few tablespoons of water and re-cover.
- Once the escarole is wilted and tender, uncover and cook for another minute or two to evaporate any excess liquid. Season with salt (keeping in mind that the anchovies and olives contain salt), and serve warm.
ESCAROLE AND BEANS
This is a creamy concoction of escarole and beans. It's rich, and it's divine! It's also best served with a warm crusty Italian bread.
Provided by KristaP
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Greens
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in escarole, turning to coat with oil. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes, or until tender.
- In a separate skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic. Pour in beans with juices, and simmer until creamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in escarole and parsley; simmer 10 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 322.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.7 g, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 18.7 g, Protein 13.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 543.4 mg, Sugar 1 g
Tips:
- Choose the freshest escarole you can find. Look for leaves that are deep green and crisp, with no signs of wilting or yellowing.
- Wash the escarole thoroughly. Rinse the leaves under cold water and shake them dry.
- Remove the tough center ribs from the escarole leaves. This will make the escarole more tender and easier to eat.
- Slice the escarole leaves into thin strips. This will help them cook evenly.
- Use a large skillet to cook the escarole. This will give the escarole plenty of room to spread out and cook evenly.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Do not let the oil get too hot, or it will burn the escarole.
- Add the escarole to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the leaves are wilted and tender. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more.
- Season the escarole with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the escarole immediately. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course.
Conclusion:
Escarole with garlic and oil is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover escarole. The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, or it can be served immediately. Escarole with garlic and oil is a healthy and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love