| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 280 | 13g | 2g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 8g | 7g | 0.8g |
There’s a certain magic that comes from combining the zesty brightness of West Coast freshness with the rich, fragrant nuances of my Gujarati roots. This magic is beautifully encapsulated in the Chicory Agrodolce (Sweet and Sour Chicory), a fruit-based feast for the senses that combines a diverse and indulgent array of ingredients.
The Intersection of Flavor Profiles
One of the first things you notice about this delectable dish is the multifaceted fusion of flavor profiles that makes your palate dance with delight. Rolling waves of sweet, sour, briny, and bitter notes stimulate the senses as they intertwine in a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. As with many Gujarati recipes, balance is the key.
The dish also draws on its Mediterranean roots with the inclusion of features like olives and capers, which adds a salty tang that perfectly offsets the sweetness contributed by ingredients like figs and raisins. The orange zest and juice further enhance this culinary experience, with a lively citrus undertone tying together the wide-ranging gamut of flavors.
A Recipe Rich in Nutritional Value
Beyond the taste, the Chicory Agrodolce (Sweet and Sour Chicory) also hails numerous health benefits. Chicory itself is a powerhouse of fiber and vitamin K while lending the dish its unique bitter flavor. The figs and raisins offer high amounts of dietary fiber too, besides carrying their distinctive sweetness. The fresh parsley is packed with antioxidants, while the olives add healthy fats. Topped off with a generous helping of olive oil, you’re not just preparing a meal, but a nutrition-rich feast that is as beneficial as it is tasty. Click here to know more about the patented health benefits of chicory root.
Perfect Pairings
Finally, let’s discuss pairings. The beautifully tangy Chicory Agrodolce pairs wonderfully with a humble loaf of crusty bread. You could also twin it with a crisp, green salad or grilled chicken for a wholesome meal. You could even set it alongside pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe. However you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to imbue your mealtime with a wash of vibrant flavors and heartwarming memories.
So, here’s to cooking, creating, and celebrating life, one beautiful fusion recipe at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 4 bunches of chicory
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
- 3 fresh figs, quartered
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the 4 bunches of chicory well under cold water. Once rinsed, pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel and set them aside.
Step Two
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cleaned chicory and season it with salt to taste. Cook until the chicory begins to wilt and brown at the edges, about 10 minutes. Then, remove the chicory from the skillet and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, you’ll want to add your thinly sliced red onion. Saute the onion until it softens and begins to caramelize. This should take around 5 minutes.
Step Four
Now, it’s time to make the agrodolce sauce. Combine 1/3 cup of white sugar and 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer until it becomes syrupy, about 15 minutes.
Step Five
Add the syrup to the skillet alongside 1/3 cup of raisins, 2 tablespoons of drained capers, the zest and juice of 1 orange, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup of chopped green olives and the 3 quartered fresh figs. Stir everything together well, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
Step Six
Return the chicory to the skillet and toss it well in the agrodolce sauce, ensuring all of the chicory is well coated. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing all of the flavours to meld together.
Step Seven
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Your Chicory Agrodolce is now ready to be served! Enjoy it while it’s hot, as a delicious and unique side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
