First, you will need to purchase puntarelle from a specialty food store or Italian market. It can be difficult to find in some areas, so you may need to search online or in larger cities. Once you have your puntarelle, you will need to it thoroughly. This is important because it can harbor dirt and debris in its curly leaves. To clean the puntarelle, you should fill a large bowl or sink with cold water. Separate the leaves and immerse them in the water, agitating gently to remove any dirt or debris. Drain the water and repeat the process until the water runs clear.
Next, you will need to cut the puntarelle into small pieces. This is where its unique shape comes in handy. Simply hold the puntarelle by the stem and slice thin strips using a sharp knife. You can also use a mandoline or vegetable peeler if you’re more comfortable with these tools. The goal is to create long, thin strips that are about the same size as thin spaghetti.
Once you have your puntarelle , you can use it in a variety of dishes. Traditionally, it is served raw in a salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. This gives the puntarelle a bright, fresh flavor that complements its bitter taste. You can also mix it with other salad greens, such as arugula, radicchio, or spinach. Another popular dish is puntarelle alla Romana, which is a cooked dish that features the vegetable dressed in a tangy anchovy and garlic sauce. This dish is typically served as a side or appetizer.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try using puntarelle in other ways. For example, it can be used as a topping for pizza, added to pasta dishes, or even used in soup. Its unique flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways.
To sum up, preparing puntarelle can be a bit of a challenge due to its delicate and curly leaves. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily clean and prepare this tasty vegetable. Once you have it ready to go, you can enjoy it in salads, cooked dishes, pizzas, and more. So if you’ve never tried puntarelle before, why not give it a try? You might be surprised by how delicious this unique vegetable can be.