Puntarelle Alla Romana (Puntarelle Salad With Anchovy and Garlic Dressing)

Name: Puntarelle Alla Romana (Puntarelle Salad With Anchovy and Garlic Dressing)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 ounces (570g) of puntarelle or Belgian endive (1 to 2 heads); if available, a mix of white and red; 8 oil-packed anchovies, drained (32g); 2 medium garlic cloves (10g); 1/2 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more to taste (for table salt, use half as much by volume); 3 tablespoons (45ml) of red wine vinegar; 5 tablespoons (75ml) of extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup (20g) of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; 3 tablespoons (45g) of capers, drained and roughly chopped; Freshly ground black pepper

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By AprilPublished Aug 9, 2023

Are you looking for a refreshing salad that will transport you to the sunny streets of Rome?

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Puntarelle Alla Romana (Puntarelle Salad With Anchovy and Garlic Dressing)

Prep: 10 min
Total: 2 hr 10 min
Servings: 4

Method

Remove the outer leaves from the puntarelle heads and tear or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Take out the shoots from the heads and trim off the woody bottom end if necessary. Cut the shoots into 1/4-inch-thick strips, lengthwise if needed.
If there is a thicker core, remove the tougher base, cut it in half lengthwise, and then slice the halves into strips.
Alternatively, if using endive, quarter it lengthwise without removing the cores. Slice each quarter into 1/8-inch strips lengthwise at an angle, keeping the leaves attached.
Place the prepared puntarelle or endive in a bowl and cover it completely with cold water and a handful of ice cubes. Submerge the pieces by placing a small plate or similar object on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 18 hours until curled.
Drain the puntarelle or endive and dry it using a salad spinner. Keep refrigerated until needed.
Meanwhile, mash anchovies, garlic, and salt together on a cutting board using the back of a fork until a coarse paste forms. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add vinegar and whisk until well mixed. Gradually add oil while whisking constantly until emulsified.
Add the puntarelle or endive, parsley, and half of the capers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to

About this recipe

Are you looking for a refreshing salad that will transport you to the sunny streets of Rome? Look no further than Puntarelle Alla Romana! This traditional Italian dish is a perfect blend of crisp puntarelle greens, tangy anchovy dressing, and aromatic garlic. It's a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

What is Puntarelle?

Puntarelle is a type of chicory that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It has a unique shape, with long, thin stalks that resemble small dandelion greens. The stalks are slightly bitter, which adds a delightful complexity to the salad.

The Anchovy and Garlic Dressing

The dressing is what takes this salad to the next level. Anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil come together to create a vibrant and bold flavor profile. The anchovies add a salty and umami taste, while the garlic adds a sharp and pungent note. Combined with the freshness of lemon juice and the richness of olive oil, it's a match made in heaven.

How to Prepare Puntarelle Alla Romana

Preparing Puntarelle Alla Romana is a breeze. Start by cleaning the puntarelle stalks and removing any tough outer leaves. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice the stalks into thin strips. Place the strips in a bowl of ice water for about 30 minutes to crisp them up.

While the puntarelle is chilling, it's time to make the dressing. In a mortar and pestle, crush the anchovies and garlic until they form a smooth paste. Gradually add lemon juice and olive oil, whisking continuously until well combined.

Once the puntarelle strips have crisped up in the ice water, drain them and pat them dry. Toss the strips in the anchovy and garlic dressing, making sure they are well coated. Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Enjoying Puntarelle Alla Romana

Puntarelle Alla Romana is best served as a side dish or a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a topping for bruschetta. The crispness of the puntarelle, combined with the bold flavors of the dressing, makes for a truly satisfying salad.

So, why not bring a taste of Rome to your own kitchen? Whip up a batch of Puntarelle Alla Romana and let your taste buds take a trip to Italy. Buon appetito!

Conclusion

Puntarelle Alla Romana is a delightful salad that brings the flavors of Italy to your plate. The crisp puntarelle greens, combined with the bold and tangy anchovy and garlic dressing, create a harmonious and refreshing dish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a taste of Rome, this salad is sure to impress. So, grab some puntarelle and get ready to indulge in the flavors of Italy!

Frequently asked questions

. Where can I find puntarelle?: Puntarelle can be found in specialty grocery stores or farmer's markets that carry a variety of fresh produce. You may also be able to find them at Italian markets.
. Can I substitute the anchovies in the dressing?: The anchovies in the dressing add a unique flavor, but if you're not a fan of anchovies, you can try using capers or olives for a similar salty taste.
. Can I make the dressing in advance?: Absolutely! The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using it with the puntarelle.
. Can I use a different type of dressing?: While the anchovy and garlic dressing is traditional for Puntarelle Alla Romana, you can certainly experiment with other dressings if you prefer. A light vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing would also work well.
. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?: Absolutely! Puntarelle Alla Romana is versatile, and you can add other vegetables to the salad if you like. Cherry tomatoes, shaved fennel, or even roasted red peppers would all make delicious additions.
. How long can I store the prepared salad?: The prepared salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent the puntarelle from wilting.
. Is Puntarelle Alla Romana gluten-free?: Yes, Puntarelle Alla Romana is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients for the dressing.
. Can I make this salad vegan?: Yes, you can make a vegan version of Puntarelle Alla Romana by omitting the anchovies from the dressing. You can add a dash of soy sauce or miso paste for a similar umami flavor.