Puntarelle Salad From Rome

      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.

Click to see our Puntarelle product available at Alma Gourmet