Puntarelle is a wonderful Italian green that belongs to the
chicory family. It tastes something like a sharp endive with a hint of
fennel. To the unknowing eye, it looks strange, almost like a big
weed. When prepared in the traditional manner, the greens become a
savory sensation that is irresistible.
Puntarelle is a
traditional winter green, picked when young and tender, the Puntarelle
greens are often eaten raw. The preparation takes a bit of time and
forethought as one need to first trim all of the leaves, slice the
shoots into thin spears, and then soak them in ice cold water. This
causes them to curl and become juicy and tender. It also makes for a
beautiful presentation as the shoots are various shades of green and it
isn't often one gets pretty curlicues on a plate.
The Roman
Puntarelle salad has a traditional dressing that is one of the only
premade dressings served on a salad in Italy. It is made with anchovies,
a bit of garlic, red wine vinegar, good extra virgin olive oil, and
salt. These ingredients are mashed together then tossed with the greens.
Allow the salad dressing to settle for a few minutes and then serve. It
is a rich tasting, beautiful salad that will have you and your family
and friends transported back to the eternal city of Rome. A dish fit for
Caesar himself.
