Seared Belgian Endive With Walnut Gremolata

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This Belgian Endive recipe makes an elegant side dish to almost any meal but I also enjoy it as a light lunch.  It also is quick to come together.

 

MAKES: 4 Servings
PREP/COOK TIME: 20 minutes

  • ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts (about 1 ounce)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • ¼ teaspoon fleur de sel
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 good-size heads Belgian endive, bottoms trimmed, cut in half lengthwise
  •  Kosher salt
  •  Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon walnut oil

PREPARATION

  1. To make the gremolata, mix together walnuts, parsley, lemon zest, fleur de sel and garlic, if using. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium or large skillet over medium heat. Place endive halves in the skillet, cut side down. They should not be touching one another. Season with kosher salt and pepper and cover pan loosely. Cook until golden brown on the cut side, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a platter or to individual plates, cut side up.
  3. Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of gremolata over each endive half. Drizzle with walnut oil and serve warm.

Storage You can make gremolata several hours before cooking the endive. Keep refrigerated if more than 30 minutes ahead.

Adapted from one of Martha Rose Shulman's amazing recipes

 

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Salads, Vegetables & SidesFabio AlmeidaComment