What is Puntarelle?
Puntarelle is a traditional Roman salad made from the inner stalks of the chicory plant known as Catalonian or Roman puntarelle. This crunchy and slightly bitter vegetable is typically enjoyed during winter and early spring when it’s at its peak freshness.
What You’ll Need
- 1 head of fresh puntarelle
- 1 clove of garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Puntarelle
Start by trimming off the outer leaves of the puntarelle, focusing on the inner stalks. You’ll want to collect around 2 cups of finely shredded stalks. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.
Creating the Dressing
In a small bowl, crush the garlic clove and mix it with the lemon juice. Allow the garlic to infuse in the lemon juice for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the garlic and slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing thickens. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Shredding the Puntarelle
Take your prepared puntarelle stalks and finely shred them using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. The ideal shape is thin strips resembling angel hair pasta. Once shredded, place the puntarelle in a bowl of ice water for at least 15 minutes. This will help it curl and become crisp.
Assembling and Serving
Drain the puntarelle from the ice water and pat dry. Place the shredded puntarelle in a large salad bowl and pour the dressing over it. Toss well until each strand is evenly coated with the flavors. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
Authentic Roman puntarelle is traditionally served on its own as a salad course before the main meal. However, you can get creative by adding some traditional Roman ingredients such as anchovies, capers, and olives for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it cold and enjoy!
Now that you have the knowledge and the recipe, it’s time to bring a taste of Rome into your home with authentic puntarelle. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this refreshing and iconic Roman dish!