When I was at the green grocers the other day I saw some endive and thought that would be my first food to try. My only exposure to endives are in the movie Emelie. Do you remember how the shop assistant carefully selects and even listens to each endive before deciding on which ones to give Emelie. It was so endearing.
A little research revealed what a quirky vegetable endive is. It is part of the daisy and chicory family and can be eaten cooked or raw. Endive is a complicated vegetable to grow as it involves a two-step process. First the seeds are grown into a leafy plant with a deep tap root. Then the greens are cut off and the roots dug up and put into storage where they become dormant. Then the root is put in a cold, dark, humid environment and the endive is grown (the pale green and white colouring made sense when I read that). Endive are chock full of vitamins, potassium, and fibre.
I modified a simple recipe so I could fully appreciate the taste of the endive. Here's how I cooked them:
INGREDIENTS:
2 endive
1 small apple
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup water
salt and pepper
METHOD:
1. trim the stem end and slice 2 endive in half lengthwise
2. place thin peeled apple slices between the layers of leaves
3. place in frying pan cut side down with 1 tablespoon butter or oil and cook for 6 minutes
4. gently turn the endive over, add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, add 1/4 cup water, season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes
5. uncover and cook until the liquid has evaporated
Verdict:
I liked the endive better the second day when I took it to work for lunch. It does have a slightly bitter taste which the apple helps to offset. I would make it again, but it wasn't a love-at-first-bite kind of food.
Have you tried endive? What was your verdict? Do you like to try new foods?
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Looks delicious and I would have never even thought to cook them!
ReplyDeleteI use them in salads..
Hmmm.... I love endives. They are used quite commonly in restaurants here, perhaps due to the Belgium influence. I love them in a salad too, because they add a nice little sharpness to the salad but I love them done up as you have shown. Great image!!
ReplyDeleteI've only just started eating endive since we moved to Cultus Lake. They are grown near here, and a local market always has them available. Unlike the Hostess of the Humble Bungalow who commented above me, I've only ever had them cooked. I braise them and they are delicious! Your recipe looks good too, so I will have to give it a try next time I buy some.
ReplyDeleteEndive leaves can make delicious low cal appetizer serving cups. I've stuffed them with a variety of things like brie, crab salad or diced veggies and dressing. I've never tried them cooked before though. I'll have to give it a go! Oh and Amelie is one of my all time favorite movies. So fun.
ReplyDeleteLooks delightful. I have only eaten them raw.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting that most of you have only eaten them raw. That's next on my list then.
ReplyDeleteI have tried endive, and it's used here in the South as an appetizer, by placing something yummy on the leaves and eating it with your hands (finger food). I haven't had it cooked very often, but I want to try your recipe because we love apples. It sounds good!
ReplyDeleteMartha Stewart uses endive in some of her appetizers, too.