Mozzarella and Braised Chicory Salad

Prep time :

15 minutes

Cook time :

40 minutes

Serves :

2-4

Total Time :

55 minutes

Mozzarella and Braised Chicory Salad

A warm, gently braised chicory and endive salad finished with lemon, garlic, and chilli, then topped with creamy buffalo mozzarella and silky prosciutto. This Italian-style plate balances bitter greens, rich cheese, and salty cured meat.

Ingredients

  • 1 small bunch catalonga (puntarelle-style chicory)
  • 1 small head sugarloaf endive
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to finish
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 fresh bay leaf
  • 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced, or a pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon (or more to taste)
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ball buffalo mozzarella, torn or sliced into 4 discs
  • 4 slices prosciutto (or capocollo)

Optional:

  • A few olives, to garnish

Method

1. Prepare the Greens

  • Wash catalonga and sugarloaf endive thoroughly in cold water to remove any grit.
  • Rinse well, trim the ends, and cut into 5-6cm pieces. Separate stems from leafy parts.

2. Boil the Greens

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil.
  • Add the stems first and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the leaves and boil together for a further 5 minutes, until tender.
  • Drain well and gently squeeze out excess water. Roughly chop if needed.

3. Braise with Aromatics

  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a wide sauté pan over medium heat.
  • Add garlic, bay leaf, and chilli (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the boiled greens and toss to coat in the oil and aromatics. Add lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
  • Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for 6–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the greens soften and absorb the flavours.

4. Season the Greens

  • Remove the lid and turn off the heat.
  • Squeeze over lemon juice and add cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon as needed.

5. Plate the Salad

  • Spoon the warm greens onto serving plates or a large platter.
  • Top with slices or chunks of buffalo mozzarella, letting them soften slightly into the warm greens.
  • Drape prosciutto (or capocollo) over the top.
  • Scatter a few olives and drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Chef’s Tip

If you can’t find catalonga or sugarloaf endive, substitute with a mix of radicchio, escarole, or other bitter greens. Don’t be shy with the lemon and olive oil, bright acidity and good oil are key to balancing the bitterness of the chicory.

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