Escarole Italian Style

Elevate your side dish game with this classic recipe for Escarole Italian Style, a simple yet flavorful homage to traditional Italian cuisine. Tender escarole is sautéed with golden garlic, a hint of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of rich olive oil, creating a harmonious blend of earthy and savory flavors. Optional chicken broth adds depth, while a fresh squeeze of lemon brightens the dish for a zesty finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this healthy recipe is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, pasta, or crusty bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick, nutrient-packed side or a light vegetarian meal, this versatile dish will bring effortless Mediterranean elegance to your table. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly fragrant, Escarole Italian Style is sure to become a staple in your rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 heads escarole
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cup chicken broth (optional)
• 0.5 piece lemon (optional, for garnishing)

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly wash the escarole under cold running water to remove any grit or dirt. Pat dry and chop into large bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the sliced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Sprinkle the red pepper flakes into the pan and stir for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 6

Add the chopped escarole to the pan in batches, stirring to allow it to wilt and make room for the rest. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.

Step 7

Season the escarole with salt and black pepper. If the mixture looks dry, add the chicken broth (if using) and stir to combine.

Step 8

Cover the pan and let the escarole cook for 5-7 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and fully wilted.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed.

Step 10

Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the escarole for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy with crusty bread for a light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	814.2 grams (814.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	640

Total Fat 58.90g	76%
Saturated Fat 10.90g	55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.00g
Cholesterol 12mg	4%
Sodium 3628mg	158%
Total Carbohydrate 26.30g	10%
Dietary Fiber 18.00g	64%
Total Sugars 2.60g
Protein 8.80g	18%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 304mg	23%
Iron 5mg	28%
Potassium 1570mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 79.1%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 15.7%