The Forktionary Angle
"The elegant, slightly bitter boat perfect for culinary creativity."
Definition
A small, torpedo-shaped leafy vegetable with crisp, pale yellow-white leaves and a distinctive slightly bitter flavor, often used in salads or as an appetizer.
Flavor Profile
The primary flavor notes for Belgian Endive are:
Chef’s Secret
To temper its bitterness for a milder flavor, briefly blanch endive spears in salted boiling water for 30 seconds before draining and shocking in ice water. Great for gratin.
Best Substitutes
Radicchio
Buying Guide
Look for firm, tightly packed heads with pale yellow-white leaves and no brown spots. Store in the refrigerator, preferably wrapped, for up to 1 week.