Belgian Endive

Cichorium intybus var. foliosum Vegetable

Belgian Endive Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

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.

Bitterness Reduction Removing the bitter core at the base can reduce bitterness by up to 25%.
Growth Method Grown in complete darkness to keep it pale and less bitter.
Nutritional Value Rich in vitamins K and A, and a good source of fiber.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Belgian Endive are:

Crisp slightly bitter subtly sweet nutty

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

similar bitterness and color but rounder leaves); Frisee (, similar bitterness, lacy texture); Little Gem Lettuce (, less bitter, crunchier
Ratio 1:1

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.

Recipes Using Belgian Endive

Time To Make Easy Lunch Main Ingredient

Begian Endive Walnut Salad

Experience a delightful twist on classic salad with this vibrant Belgian Endive Walnut Salad! Crisp endive leaves meet crunchy walnuts in a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or a refreshing side dish. Impress your guests with this unexpectedly delicious and sophisticated salad!

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Preparation Equipment Low Calorie Stove Top

Belgian Meatballs Braised In Beer

Experience the irresistible taste of Belgian Meatballs Braised in Beer! These tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful beer sauce with caramelized onions and endives. A perfect comforting dish for a cozy night in, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results. Impress your family and friends with this authentic Belgian classic!

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Seafood Easy Beginner Cook Salads

Avocado Shrimp And Endive Salad

This vibrant spring/summer salad combines three incredible ingredients: succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp endive. Inspired by Belgian cuisine, this easy recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and looks stunning on any table. The bright, tangy dressing perfectly complements the fresh flavors. Make it today and impress your guests!

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Preparation Course Inexpensive Dips

Arugula Walnut Pate With Belgian Endive

This vibrant and flavorful Arugula Walnut Pâté is a delightful vegetarian appetizer or light lunch! Made with peppery arugula (or substitute watercress), creamy yogurt, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty lemon dressing, this pâté is served beautifully atop crisp Belgian endive leaves. A sophisticated and surprisingly easy recipe perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat. Get ready to elevate your culinary game!

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Equipment Fish Lunch Scandinavian

Arctic Char Gravlax With Apple Pecan Salad

Elevate your culinary game with this stunning Arctic Char Gravlax, a twist on the classic salmon version, paired with a vibrant Apple Pecan Salad. Inspired by Food & Wine's Frank Mendoza, this recipe is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Impress your guests with this sophisticated dish, perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight meal. Learn how to cure arctic char perfectly and create a memorable salad to complement it.

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Weeknight Weeknight 4 Hours Or Less Dutch

Belgian Endive Wrapped In Ham With Cheese Lof Met Ham En Kaas

Discover a sophisticated and surprisingly delicious recipe: Belgian Endive Wrapped in Ham with Cheese! This elegant dish features subtly bitter Belgian endive (chicory) perfectly balanced by savory ham and melted cheese. While endive has a unique, slightly bitter taste that's an acquired taste for some, this recipe transforms it into a delightful culinary experience. Each serving features two endive halves wrapped in flavorful ham, then baked to golden perfection with a sprinkle of nutty nutmeg and a generous layer of melted cheese. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a special occasion or a unique weeknight dinner!

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Preparation Course Time To Make Low Calorie

Belgian Endive Blue Cheese And Pear Salad

This stunning Belgian Endive, Blue Cheese, and Pear Salad is the perfect low-carb, crowd-pleasing dish! Impress your friends and family with this elegant yet easy-to-make recipe. Sweet pears, crunchy endive, creamy blue cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette create a flavor explosion that's both sophisticated and satisfying. Even the kids will love it! Perfect for a birthday dinner, holiday gathering, or a light yet impressive weeknight meal.

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Preparation Cuisine Preparation Occasion

Belgian Endive Salad

A ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious Belgian endive salad! This recipe, inspired by a Walmart produce section find, will make your taste buds sing. Sweet apples, crisp endives, and crunchy almonds are tossed in a light and zesty dressing for a refreshing and satisfying side dish or light lunch. Perfect for weeknight meals!

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Course Main Ingredient Greens Vegetables

Endive Arugula And Pear Salad

Escape the summer heat with this refreshing endive, arugula, and pear salad! Inspired by Catherine Bardey's "Secrets of the Spas," this light and vibrant salad is the perfect side dish or light meal. The peppery arugula, crisp endive, and sweet pear are perfectly balanced by a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious!

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Low Sodium Holiday Event Course Low Protein

Belgian Endive And Ham Casserole

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Belgian Endive and Ham Casserole, a cherished family recipe from the Netherlands, perfect for special occasions! Tender Belgian endives are wrapped in savory ham and bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce. This elegant yet comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Egg Free Dietary Fruit Free Of Something

Apple Endive Gorgonzola Salad

This gourmet magazine-inspired winter salad (October 1998) is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors! Crisp endive, sweet apple, creamy Gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts are tossed in a luscious honey-walnut dressing. A simple yet elegant salad perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish. Easily customizable – try it with candied or raw nuts! Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Vegetables Preparation Eggs Dairy Time To Make

Apple Endive And Stilton Salad

A family favorite! This vibrant salad combines crisp endive and sweet apples with creamy Stilton cheese and crunchy candied walnuts. The tangy vinaigrette perfectly complements the rich flavors, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for a light lunch, elegant dinner party, or a sophisticated weeknight meal.

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Dietary Vegetarian Dietary Salads

Belgian Endive Orange And Date Salad

A stunning and surprisingly easy salad recipe inspired by NPR, with a unique Middle Eastern twist! This vibrant dish features crisp Belgian endive (cone-shaped variety), juicy oranges, sweet Medjool dates, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a fragrant rosewater-honey dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or a sophisticated side dish. Easily adaptable for vegans by substituting agave for honey. Get ready to impress your guests with this artistic and flavorful creation!

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15 Minutes Or Less Preparation Time To Make Salads

Belgian Endive With Roquefort Walnuts And Cranberries

Elevate your appetizer game with this sophisticated and surprisingly simple recipe for Belgian Endive with Roquefort, Walnuts, and Cranberries! Chef David Vartanian's vintage recipe delivers a delightful combination of creamy Roquefort, crunchy walnuts, tart cranberries, and crisp endive. Perfect for holiday parties or a special weeknight treat.

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Vegetables Low Calorie Healthy Salads

Apple Endive And Grape Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for a light lunch or side dish! This Apple, Endive & Grape Salad combines crisp apples, peppery endives, juicy grapes, and crunchy nuts in a creamy, tangy buttermilk dressing. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste of fall in every bite!

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Course Salads Fruit 15 Minutes Or Less

Belgian Endive And Apple Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

A vibrant and festive salad perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a burst of cranberry flavor! This simple yet elegant recipe, inspired by Bon Appétit (1999), combines crisp Belgian endive, juicy apples, and a tangy cranberry vinaigrette for a delightful culinary experience. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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Dinner Party 15 Minutes Or Less Fruit Low Cholesterol

Belgian Endive Apple And Almond Salad

This incredibly easy Belgian Endive, Apple, and Almond Salad is ready in 10 minutes! A simple yet elegant salad with a light and refreshing dressing, perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

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