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3 irresistible recipes with chicory

Chicory, also known as Belgian endive, is a vegetable that is often overlooked but offers incredible versatility in cooking. This bitter vegetable can be eaten both raw and cooked and fits perfectly into numerous dishes. Today we are sharing three delicious recipes in which chicory plays the starring role. Whether you want to prepare a simple salad, a savoury casserole or a sophisticated appetiser, these recipes will inspire you to use chicory in new and surprising ways. (Source cover photo: Shutterstock)

Chicory salad with apple and walnuts


This fresh salad combines the bitterness of chicory with the sweetness of apple and honey, while the walnuts and blue cheese add a delicious crunch and extra dimension of flavour. (Source photo: Pinterest)

Ingredients
  • 4 stalks of chicory
  • 2 green apples
  • 100 grams walnuts
  • 100 grams of blue cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • Pepper and salt to taste

Instructions
  1. Cut the chicory into thin strips and remove the hard core.
  2. Thinly slice the apples and coarsely chop the walnuts.
  3. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, pepper and salt to make a dressing.
  4. Add the chicory, apple slices and walnuts to the bowl and mix well.
  5. Crumble the blue cheese over the salad and serve immediately.

Gratinated chicory with cheese and ham


This classic Belgian dish is perfect for a warm, comforting meal. The combination of chicory, ham and melted cheese is simply irresistible.

Ingredients
  • 8 chicory stems
  • 8 slices of ham
  • 200 g grated Gruyère cheese
  • 50 g butter
  • 50 g flour
  • 500 ml milk
  • Nutmeg to taste
  • Pepper and salt to taste

Instructions
  1. Cook the chicory stalks in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain them well.
  2. Melt the butter in a pan, add the flour and stir to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, stirring, until you have a smooth sauce.
  3. Season the sauce with nutmeg, pepper and salt.
  4. Wrap each stalk of chicory in a slice of ham and place in a baking dish.
  5. Pour the béchamel sauce over the chicory stalks and sprinkle with grated Gruyère.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Chicory soup with potato and leek


This creamy soup is perfect for a cold day. The potato provides a nice binding, while the chicory and leeks add a subtle, delicate flavour to the soup. (Source photo: ELLE.com)

Ingredients
  • 6 stalks of chicory
  • 2 potatoes
  • 1 leek
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 litre of vegetable stock
  • 200 ml of cream
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • Pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Chop the chicory, potatoes, leeks, onion and garlic.
  2. Heat the butter in a large pan and fry the onion and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add the leeks, potatoes and chicory and fry for a few minutes.
  4. Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
  5. Puree the soup with a hand blender until smooth.
  6. Add the cream and season with salt and pepper. Let it heat through for a while but do not boil again.

Chicory is a versatile vegetable that can be used in numerous dishes. Whether you opt for a fresh salad, a savoury casserole or a creamy soup, chicory always adds a unique flavour and texture. Try these recipes and discover for yourself how versatile and delicious chicory can be!