Catalan Escarole
Transform your salad game with the vibrant flavors of Catalan Escarole, a traditional Mediterranean dish that’s as simple as it is elegant. This recipe artfully balances contrasting textures and tastes: crisp escarole leaves serve as the perfect canvas for briny black olives, sweet plump raisins, nutty toasted pine nuts, and the savory depth of optional anchovy fillets. Tossed in a bold yet balanced dressing of garlic, sherry vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, this Catalan favorite is a delightful fusion of earthy and tangy elements. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless yet refined starter or side dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving healthier Mediterranean fare, this classic salad embodies both ease and elegance.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head escarole
- 0.5 cup black olives (pitted)
- 4 pieces anchovy fillets (optional)
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.25 cup raisins
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Wash the escarole thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large salad bowl.
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Soak the raisins in a small bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
Mince the garlic finely or crush it into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle. Combine the garlic with the olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing. Whisk until well emulsified.
Add the black olives, anchovy fillets (if using), toasted pine nuts, and softened raisins to the bowl of escarole.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Serve immediately as a starter or side dish. Enjoy this classic Catalan recipe with a slice of crusty bread for the full Mediterranean experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.3 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 670 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 3.3 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 338 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
