What are Stuffed Endives?
Stuffed endives, also known as endive boats, are made by filling endive leaves with various ingredients and baking them until golden and tender. The bitterness of the endive leaves pairs perfectly with the flavors of the stuffing, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 large endives
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the endives by removing any damaged leaves and cutting off the bottoms to separate the leaves.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Take an endive leaf and spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the bottom end. Roll up the leaf, securing the filling inside, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining endive leaves.
5. Once all the endives are stuffed and placed in the baking dish, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the endives are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed endives make an excellent appetizer or side dish. Serve them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for an extra touch of freshness. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze over the stuffed endives, which adds a tangy sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.
Pair this Italian delicacy with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon to complete your meal.
In Summary
If you’re looking to try something new in the kitchen, why not give stuffed endives a try? This Italian-style dish combines the bitterness of endives with rich and savory flavors, resulting in a truly delicious meal. By following this easy guide, you’ll be able to create stuffed endives that are bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress your guests. Enjoy!