| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 18g | 6g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 6g | 0.8g |
As I sit down to pen a few words about the delightful Roasted Chicory with Sherry Vinegar and Cheese recipe, my heart fills with warmth and nostalgia. This delightful and quite nutritious dish holds a special place in my trove of cherished family recipes. It’s a fascinating blend of an earthy vegetable base, the sharp hint of sherry vinegar, the rich creaminess of cheese, and the vivacious kick provided by the oranges. It’s far from your generic fruit recipe, managing to weave together seemingly disparate elements into a harmonious and flavorful concoction.
A Tangible Connection to my Roots
As a Boston native with ties to Ireland, my cooking philosophy always marries the essence of Irish comfort food with the bounty of New England seafood. While this Roasted Chicory with Sherry Vinegar and Cheese recipe may not feature seafood, its comforting quality and subtle complexity definitely pay homage to my Irish roots and Bostonian upbringing. Every time I prepare this dish for my sweet Laura and our little tyke, I feel a surge of satisfaction knowing that I’m passing down a piece of my heritage to the next generation.
Health Benefits: More than Just a Tasty Treat
I strongly believe that good food should not only satisfy our taste buds but should nourish our body, too. This recipe is packed with nutrients— chicory is renowned for being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and folate. Walnuts add a dose of heart-healthy fats and fiber, while oranges lend a generous amount of Vitamin C. Furthermore, blue cheese not only gives this dish a pleasant tang but also contributes beneficial probiotics, promoting good gut health! More on blue cheese benefits.
When it comes to versatility, this roasted chicory recipe does shine bright. It works perfectly as a refreshing side dish alongside a robust roasted chicken, or even a flavorful vegetarian enchilada. Why, it can also hold up exceptionally well as a standalone meal, especially on those days when you crave something light yet wholesome.
In conclusion, the Roasted Chicory with Sherry Vinegar and Cheese recipe is much more than a simple dish. It’s comfort, tradition, and health interwoven into flavorful bites. It’s a window into my own culinary journey, and I hope it leaves you just as enchanted as it has for my family and me. Happy Cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium heads of chicory
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of sherry vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese
- 6 oranges, peeled and segmented
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step Two
Prepare the chicory by removing any damaged outer leaves, then cutting them in half lengthwise. Arrange the chicory halves in a single layer on a large baking pan.
Step Three
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicory halves. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. Then, roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and the edges are caramelized.
Step Four
While the chicory is roasting, prepare the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together the sherry vinegar, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, whisking well until the dressing is emulsified.
Step Five
Once the chicory is done roasting, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the sherry vinegar dressing all over the chicory halves while they are still warm, turning them over to ensure they are evenly coated.
Step Six
Scatter the crumbled blue cheese over the chicory halves. Arrange the segmented oranges around and on top of the chicory, then garnish with the orange zest.
Step Seven
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the dish. Serve immediately while it’s still warm. Enjoy this Roasted Chicory with Sherry Vinegar and Cheese as a hearty appetizer or a unique side dish.
