Hello!

Dr. Oliver and his wife are Tant Hill CSA shareholders and inspired us to grow escarole. Mrs. Oliver is Italian and provided us with this recipe. We hope you enjoy it!

Escarola Strascinata (Sauteed Escarole)

The usual recipe for sautéed escarole is escarola strascinata, “dragged” in the pan with garlic and oil. The addition of anchovies and black olives is optional, but make it more festive and give the dish more complexity.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1 pound escarole, leaves trimmed and separated
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 cup pitted oil-cured black olives (optional)

Directions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and if desired, the anchovies, and cook, stirring, until the garlic is translucent and anchovies dissolve, about 2 minutes.

• Add the whole escarole leaves to the skillet, with a little water from washing still clinging to them, and season with the salt. Stir in the olives if desired. Once the escarole begins to wilt, cover the skillet and cook until the leaves are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure the pan is not dry; if it is, add a few tablespoons of water and cover again.

• Once the escarole is wilted and tender, uncover and cook for another 1-2 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid. Season with additional salt (keeping in mind that the anchovies and olives contain salt), and serve warm.