5 tasty ways to cook with radicchio
What's the story
Often overlooked in the kitchen, radicchio, a colorful and slightly bitter leafy vegetable, can do wonders for your palate. Its unique flavor is just what you need to make ordinary dishes extraordinary. Here's a look at five surprising recipes that highlight radicchio's versatility and how it can take your meals to the next level. From salads to pasta dishes, we've got you covered!
Grilled delight
Grilled radicchio salad with citrus dressing
Grilling radicchio enhances its natural sweetness, while retaining its signature bitterness. For this salad, cut the radicchio into quarters and grill until slightly charred. Toss it with a citrus dressing made from orange juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey for balance. The result is a refreshing salad that goes with various main courses or can be had on its own as a light meal.
Creamy comfort
Radicchio risotto with Parmesan
Radicchio adds depth to the classic risotto dish by introducing an intriguing contrast of flavors. Start by sauteing chopped radicchio in olive oil until wilted before adding Arborio rice. Gradually add vegetable broth while stirring continuously until the rice is creamy and tender. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for richness, and serve hot for a comforting meal that highlights radicchio's unique taste.
Nutty twist
Pasta with radicchio and walnuts
This pasta dish has bitterness of radicchio and earthy crunch of walnuts for an unexpected-yet-delightful combination. Saute some sliced radicchio in olive oil with garlic until softened and toss it together with cooked pasta and toasted walnuts. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness to this simple-yet-flavorful dish that you can whip up quickly on busy weeknights.
Savory pastry
Radicchio tart with goat cheese
A savory tart featuring radicchio makes for an impressive appetizer or light lunch option when accompanied with goat cheese's creamy tanginess within flaky pastry crusts' embrace. Start by caramelizing onions, layer them on rolled-out puff pastry sheets, followed closely by thinly sliced rounds from the heads' core sections. Bake until golden brown perfection emerges after twenty minutes on moderate heat settings—serve warm, garnished with freshly cracked black peppercorns, if desired.
Oven-baked harmony
Roasted radishes & radichhio medley
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, softening their bitter flavors. How to go about it? Place evenly sized pieces on baking trays, lightly drizzled with seasoned extra virgin olive oil, and bake at 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit). After 15-20 minutes, remove the trays and let cool briefly before serving as a side or part of a larger meal.