what is the flavor of escarole
Escarole and Tofu at Jade Garden (CC BY 2.0) by Gary Soup. Escarole is a leafy green vegetable and member of the chicory family, along with frisÃ©e, endive and Belgian endive. Sometimes called broad-leaved endive, escarole has broad, curly green leaves and a slightly bitter flavor. It can be eaten raw, grilled, sautÃ©ed, or cooked in dishes.
Quick Answer. Escarole substitutes include radicchio, borage, mustard greens, curly endive, frisee, spinach and arugula. When choosing a substitute, consider the planned menu. For example, when it is cooked, escarole develops a tenderness and sweet flavor similar to spinach. Raw, frisee or curly endive closely mimic the sharp, slightly bitter flavor.
Eight to 10 minutes of cooking is all that is needed to draw out escarole's nutty flavor. Oil or butter will mellow any bitterness. Paradoxically, lemon juice and a bit of salt can create the illusion of sweetness. Sliced escarole can be added to pasta sauces, stuffings and sautÃ©s of all kinds.