A.K.A

common chicory, broad chicory, or Batavian endive

What is it?

Escarole, a member of the chicory family, has wide, succulent stems and leaves that look more crumpled than curly. Like other chicories, it has a bitter flavor, though somewhat less so than curly endive. Though it can be eaten raw in salads, its hearty leaves benefit from cooking and is delicious with bacon, sausage, and added to white bean soups.

Kitchen math:

1 medium head = 9 to 10 cups coarsely chopped

Don’t have it?

Frisée provides a similar texture and bitter flavor in salads; for cooking, curly endive is a better substitute, since it also has hearty leaves that hold up to heat.

How to choose:

Avoid escarole with especially thick or tough looking outer leaves.

How to prep:

Remove any blemished outer leaves and remove the core. Escarole can be quite sandy, so wash it well in a few changes of water. If cooking, you can leave water clinging to the leaves; otherwise dry them well in a salad spinner.

How to store:

Store in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Cross Reference

curly endive

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Turkey, Escarole, and White Bean Soup with Cheesy Croutons

  A cross between white bean soup and French onion soup, a bowl makes a hearty meal.

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  Recipe

  Cobb-Style Salad with Roast Beef and Fresh Herb Dressing

  There’s nothing wrong with a cold supper when it’s bursting with as much color and flavor as this composed salad. While the ingredient list may look long, the prep is…

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  Recipe

  Escarole, Apple, and Bacon Salad with Aged Gouda

  Hot apples right out of the skillet soften the escarole in this warm salad. The nutty extra-aged Gouda and smoky bacon pair well with the bitter greens and sweet maple…

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  Recipe

  Tuscan Grain Bowl with Grilled Chicken and Broccolini

  A quick pesto-like sauce brings this bowl together and adds summery flavor. Crisp garlic slivers are a fun crunchy element.

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  Recipe

  Grilled Potato Salad with Pesto and Escarole

  Aromatic basil pesto ties together grilled potatoes, escarole, and red onion. Serve it with barbecued chicken or grilled sausages, and it will be the only side you need. Red-skin potatoes…

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  Recipe

  Tuna, Escarole, and Chickpea Salad with Warm Herb-Garlic Vinaigrette

  Good-quality tuna is a fabulous secret weapon for easy but satisfying meals. Its silky texture and slightly briny flavor makes this salad feel substantial.

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  Recipe

  Roasted Carrot, Sweet Potato, and Squash Salad with Cheddar

  Tangy balsamic lime vinaigrette complements the sweet flavors of the potatoes and squash in this vegetable medley.Customize your own recipe: Create Your Own Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

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  Recipe

  Escarole and Egg Soup

  The soothing lemony flavor of this chicken soup is the perfect antidote to a cold winter day.

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  Recipe

  Fennel-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Escarole and Apple Salad

  Garlicky pork pairs perfectly with a crisp salad in this easy supper.