Transforming chicory: From overlooked veggie to gourmet delight
Although widely available, chicory is often overlooked—unjustly so! With a little culinary magic, this vegetable can transform into a true feast for the palate. The key is the proper preparation that neutralises its bitterness and brings out its sweetness. Baked chicory with ham and cheese is a simple yet exquisite dish that will impress even the most discerning gourmets.
Chicory is a vegetable that often goes unnoticed in grocery baskets, which is a shame because it conceals a lot of flavour and nutritional value. Many people avoid it due to its slight bitterness, but proper preparation makes it delicate and incredibly tasty. Baked chicory is a great way to discover its culinary potential. Just a few simple ingredients and a moment of preparation turn it into an aromatic and satisfying dish. If chicory hasn't been on your table before, this recipe might change that!
Baked chicory – Simple and impressive dish
Baked chicory is an ideal choice for a light dinner, a side dish, or even a standalone dish. The combination of chicory with ham and cheese gives the vegetable a creamy texture and unique taste. Moreover, chicory is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support the health of the digestive system. If you're concerned about its natural bitterness, just prepare it properly—blanching or baking effectively eliminates this taste.
How to make baked chicory with ham and cheese?
You don't need complicated ingredients or long hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple steps to enjoy a delicious and healthy dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 heads of chicory
- 4 slices of ham
- 140 grams of grated yellow cheese
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Method:
- Clean the chicory, remove the outer leaves, and cut off the woody ends.
- Bring water with a pinch of salt to a boil and simmer the chicory for about 5 minutes. After this time, drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut each head in half and place in an ovenproof dish.
- Drizzle the chicory with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C and bake for 10 minutes.
- After this time, place a slice of ham on each half and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is appetisingly browned.
Chicory: An underrated treasure of health
Chicory is not only tasty but also a healthy addition to the diet. It is rich in fibre, which supports intestinal function, as well as vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of chicory may contribute to improved digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and strengthened immunity.
Baked chicory is an excellent way to introduce this vegetable to your daily diet. Its delicate taste and creamy texture will surely appeal to both adults and children.
