Sensational sides: Elevating dishes with radicchio
What's the story
Radicchio, with its vibrant purple hue and bitter flavor, is an unsung hero in the kitchen. This versatile ingredient adds a punch of flavor and color to any dish. Perfect in salads or grilled as a side, radicchio brings a unique taste that pairs well with a variety of recipes. Read on to discover five delicious ways to incorporate radicchio into your culinary creations.
Salad mix
Add a crunch to your salads
One of the easiest and tastiest ways to level up your salads is by adding radicchio. Its bitterness is balanced by pairing it with sweeter vegetables or fruits, nuts, and cheese. For a delicious combination, try tossing chopped radicchio with arugula, sliced pears, walnuts, and blue cheese. This salad is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Grilling
Grill it for a smoky flavor
Grilling radicchio enhances its natural sweetness and mellows its bitterness. Simply quarter or halve the head, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper before placing on a hot grill. Grill each side for two to three minutes until charred marks form. This technique turns radicchio into a deliciously smoky side dish, perfect alongside grilled dishes.
Braising
Braise for tenderness
Braising radicchio in balsamic vinegar tames its bitterness by introducing a sweet tanginess that perfectly balances its flavor profile. Simply cut the radicchio into wedges and braise in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and sugar over low heat until tender. This method transforms radicchio into a melt-in-your-mouth side dish ideal for pairing with sautéed tofu.
Pasta pairing
Incorporate into pasta dishes
Sauteed radicchio with garlic and olive oil, tossed with pasta - simple, quick, and delicious. The slight bitterness of the radicchio cuts through the richness of a Gorgonzola cream sauce or pairs well with a lighter garlic and oil-based sauce. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pine nuts adds a satisfying crunch. Yummy!
Pizza twist
Use as pizza topping
For a unique pizza topping that will pleasantly surprise your palate, consider adding thinly sliced radicchio after baking your pizza. Its crisp texture and bitter flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy mozzarella cheese and sweet tomato sauce base. And, you can also pair it with prosciutto or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor on your homemade pizzas.