What To Do With Escarole Lettuce

Escarole lettuce is a leafy green you can enjoy raw in salads or cooked in soups, sautés, and pasta dishes.
 
It has a slightly bitter flavor that mellows beautifully when cooked, making it one of the most versatile greens in your kitchen.
 
If you’ve been staring at a head of escarole wondering what to do with it, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with escarole lettuce, from simple raw preparations to hearty cooked meals.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What to Do With Escarole Lettuce: Best Ways to Enjoy It

Knowing what to do with escarole lettuce starts with understanding its two personalities: crisp and bitter when raw, tender and nutty when cooked.
 
Here are the best ways to make the most of this underrated green.
 

1. Toss It Raw Into Salads

One of the easiest things to do with escarole lettuce is to use it raw in salads.
 
Its crisp leaves and pleasant bitterness pair well with sweet and salty ingredients.
 
Try combining chopped escarole with sliced apples, candied walnuts, and a honey-mustard vinaigrette.
 
The sweetness of the fruit balances the bite of the greens perfectly.
 
You can also mix escarole lettuce with milder greens like romaine or butter lettuce if you want to tone down the bitterness.
 

2. Sauté It With Garlic and Olive Oil

If you’re wondering what to do with escarole lettuce when you want something warm and comforting, sautéing is the answer.
 
Heat olive oil in a pan, add sliced garlic, and toss in roughly chopped escarole.
 
It wilts in just a few minutes, similar to spinach but with more texture and depth.
 
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
 
This makes a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken or grilled fish.
 

3. Stir It Into Soups and Stews

One of the most traditional things to do with escarole lettuce is to add it to soups.
 
Italian wedding soup famously features escarole along with meatballs and tiny pasta.
 
The greens soften as they simmer, soaking up the broth and adding a gentle bitterness that keeps rich soups from feeling heavy.
 
You can also stir chopped escarole into minestrone, bean soups, or any brothy stew during the last ten minutes of cooking.
 

4. Grill or Braise the Whole Head

For a show-stopping side, halve a head of escarole lettuce and grill it cut-side down until charred.
 
The heat caramelizes the edges and reduces the bitterness significantly.
 
You can also braise whole heads in stock with a splash of white wine until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender.
 
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a creamy dressing and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dish at home.
 

5. Bake It Into a Cheesy Casserole

Another delicious option for what to do with escarole lettuce is to bake it into a casserole.
 
Layer blanched escarole with béchamel sauce, gruyère, and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and bubbly.
 
It’s like a grown-up version of creamed spinach, but with more character.
 
This dish works beautifully as a holiday side or a cozy weeknight dinner.
 

How to Prepare Escarole Lettuce Before Cooking

No matter what you decide to do with escarole lettuce, proper prep makes a big difference.
 
Here’s how to get it ready.
 

1. Wash Each Leaf Thoroughly

Escarole grows in tight heads, so dirt and grit often hide between the leaves.
 
Separate the leaves and rinse them under cold running water.
 
For extra assurance, soak the leaves in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes and swish them around.
 

2. Trim the Base and Tough Stems

Cut off the bottom inch of the head where all the leaves connect.
 
The thick white stems at the base are edible but can be tough, so slice them thinner than the leafy parts.
 
If you’re serving escarole lettuce raw, you may want to remove the toughest stems entirely.
 

3. Dry the Leaves Well

Wet leaves won’t sauté or roast properly, and they’ll dilute your salad dressing.
 
Use a salad spinner or pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel.
 
Dry escarole lettuce also stores better in the fridge.
 

How to Store Escarole Lettuce So It Lasts

Knowing how to store escarole lettuce keeps it fresh for longer, so you always have something to cook with.
 
Wrap the unwashed head loosely in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
 
Store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge, where the humidity is higher.
 
Washed and dried escarole lettuce keeps well in an airtight container lined with paper towels.
 
Use it within three to five days for the best flavor and texture.
 

So, What to Do With Escarole Lettuce?

Escarole lettuce is a leafy green you can enjoy raw in salads or cooked in soups, sautés, and pasta dishes.
 
Its slightly bitter flavor that mellows beautifully when cooked makes it one of the most versatile greens in your kitchen.
 
You can toss escarole lettuce raw into salads, sauté it with garlic, stir it into soups, grill whole heads, or bake it into a cheesy casserole.
 
Just remember to wash it well, trim the tough stems, and store it properly so it stays fresh.
 
Now that you know what to do with escarole lettuce, grab a head on your next grocery run and give one of these ideas a try.