Cicoria Ripassata: A Simple Italian Delight

Table of Contents

Toggle

#Cicoria Ripassata

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed:
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 pound 450g chicory (or any other leafy green like spinach or kale)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red chili pepper optional, for heat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicory:
• Rinse the chicory under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves roughly.
• Sauté the Garlic:
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red chili pepper (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
• Add the Chicory:
• Add the chopped chicory to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicory is well-coated in the oil and garlic.
• Season:
• Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicory to taste. Continue to sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are tender but still vibrant green.
• Serve:
• Remove from heat and serve immediately. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty kick. Enjoy it hot or at room temperature.
• Variations and Substitutions
• Add Protein: To make it a complete meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed shrimp.
• Different Greens: If chicory isn’t available, feel free to substitute with spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula.
• Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary!

When it comes to Italian cuisine, simplicity often leads to the most satisfying dishes. One such dish is Cicoria Ripassata, a delightful sautéed chicory that’s not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. This recipe is perfect as a side dish or a main event on your table. From my own personal experience, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor. So, let me show you how I make this easy and nutritious dish.

What to Expect

Cicoria Ripassata is a dish that showcases the natural bitterness of chicory, balanced beautifully with the richness of olive oil and the warmth of garlic. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any Italian meal or a great addition to a Mediterranean-style platter. From my own personal experience, this dish never fails to impress, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.

Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $8-10
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Side Dish
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making   ##cicoriaripassata  here 

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicory (or any other leafy green like spinach or kale)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making   ##cicoriaripassata  here 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicory:
   • Rinse the chicory under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves roughly.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red chili pepper (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the Chicory:
   • Add the chopped chicory to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicory is well-coated in the oil and garlic.
4. Season:
   • Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicory to taste. Continue to sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are tender but still vibrant green.
5. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and serve immediately. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty kick. Enjoy it hot or at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Protein: To make it a complete meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed shrimp.
• Different Greens: If chicory isn’t available, feel free to substitute with spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula.
• Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making   ##cicoriaripassata  here 

Tips for Specific Dietary Needs

• Low-Sodium: For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of salt.
• High-Fiber: Pairing this dish with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice can increase fiber content.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g

Troubleshooting Tips

• Chicory Not Wilting: If the chicory isn’t wilting down as expected, add a splash of water or broth to the pan and cover it for a couple of minutes. This will steam the greens and help them soften.
• Bitter Taste: If chicory is too bitter for your taste, try blanching it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before sautéing.

Conclusion

Cicoria Ripassata is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious and satisfying. This dish is flexible enough to adapt to various dietary needs and can easily become a staple in your kitchen. So why not give it a try? You might just find a new favorite!