Endive: A vibrant winter staple for salads and celebrations
Endive leaves are crisp and juicy, with a delicate flavour complemented by noticeable bitter notes. Many people may find this a downside and choose to overlook endive, yet it truly is worth trying. It is currently in season, so be sure to incorporate it into salads. For a Mardi Gras gathering with friends, consider preparing an appetiser using endive.
Endive is an Asteraceae family plant known for its exceptional health and culinary properties. It resembles lettuce, making it a frequent addition to salads and slaws. It is primarily cultivated during the winter months and is currently in season.
Ideal for women
This biennial plant is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits. Its leaves boast a range of vitamins, such as A, B1, B2, C, E, and K, alongside minerals like iron, selenium, zinc, calcium, and potassium. With its low-calorie content – only 32 calories per 100 grams – endive is an excellent choice for those mindful of their weight.
Women, in particular, should consider including endive in their meals. This vegetable contains a lot of folic acid, which is crucial during pregnancy and helps maintain hormonal balance. It is also rich in vitamin A, which benefits skin health and strengthens hair and nails. Endive supports weight loss by enhancing digestion and detoxifying the body. It also aids in reducing cholesterol.
What to prepare with it
Endive leaves can be used to prepare various delicious dishes, whether raw or cooked, by baking or grilling. They pair beautifully in salads with apples, pears, oranges, and cheeses such as feta or gorgonzola. Traditionally, endive roots have been used to make a healthy coffee substitute, offering an intriguing alternative to the usual beverage.
Useful for Mardi Gras
Endive can also enhance the flavour of other dishes when used with vinaigrette sauce. Its firm leaves introduce new taste experiences and beautifully present themselves on the plate, making it perfect for Mardi Gras gatherings with friends. Stuffed endive boats are sure to disappear from the table swiftly, and the recipe is remarkably straightforward. The appeal lies in its contrasting flavours.
Endive appetiser
Ingredients:
- 2–3 endives,
- 1 pear or optionally two tangerines,
- 85g blue cheese,
- a handful of walnuts,
- 2 tablespoons honey,
- pepper to taste.
Preparation Method:
- Cut the endives in half and separate the leaves, setting aside the smaller middle ones.
- Dice the pear and cheese into small cubes.
- Toast the walnuts in a pan, then add the pear and sauté briefly.
- Add honey and cheese to the walnuts and pear, mixing well. Season to taste with pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the endive boats.
