Don't waste a single leaf from your chicory this week! Here's 5 delicious ways to enjoy these subtly bitter vegetables - courtesy of our guest ODDBOX chef Storm @whatstormeats!
How should I prepare them?
Like any salad or lettuce, give them a quick rinse until cold water before using. Remove any yellowing or brown leaves if you're eating them raw but chuck them in if you are cooking them as it won’t make any difference to the taste - great for no waste too!
The root can be a little bitter if left uncooked so if you aren’t going to cook with it, you may want to remove it from the leaves. Don’t throw it away though; it makes for a great addition to vegetable stock or risotto.
PASTITSIO: Make a béchamel with butter, milk and flour, add sautéed chicory, chard with a little garlic and mix. Layer lasagna sheets with the mixture; add torn mozzarella and fresh basil. Keep layering until you have used all the mix. Bake until golden for an autumnal pasta bake!
TOASTIE: Strong punchy cheese, bitter chicory and sweet caramelised onions all packed into a hot toastie - can you think of a better working from home lunch? Slice the whole chicory lengthways and fry off in a pan with the caramelised onions. On thick bread slices, slather with a little mayonnaise, and spread the chicory/onion mixture before piling on the cheese. Pop in a buttered pan, making sure you press down on the sandwich before flipping over.
POLPETTE: Combine mashed potato with fresh herbs, an egg and cooked chicory and form into balls. Roll in flour, egg and breadcrumbs before shallow frying. Serve with a spicy tomato sauce for a take on an Italian street food snack!
GRATIN: Halve the fresh chicory and place in an ovenproof dish. Pour over a creamy sauce made with wholegrain and Dijon mustard, double cream and Gruyere cheese and top with crunchy leftover breadcrumbs. Finish with an extra sprinkling of cheese and plenty of black pepper.
WINTER SALAD: Salads aren’t just for summer! Combine slices of apple, chicory, celery and some baby gem with a zesty crème fraiche and wholegrain mustard dressing. Top with walnuts & crumbled blue cheese for a delicious take on a Waldorf salad!
#zerowaste #chicory