Escarole and Beans

Perfect with a crusty loaf of Italian Bread!

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 large heads escarole
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 (16 ounce) cans cannellini beans, undrained
• 3 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in escarole, turning to coat with oil. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a separate skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic. Pour in beans with juices, and simmer until creamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in escarole and parsley; simmer 10 minutes more.

Escarole Tart

• 2 large heads escarole (about 32 cups), cored and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 anchovies
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• Coarse and freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
• All-purpose flour, for work surface
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large skillet, cook escarole, covered, over medium heat until wilted, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Place in a sieve set over a medium bowl, and let drain. When cool enough to handle, place in a towel, and squeeze to remove excess liquid; set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and anchovies, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add reserved escarole, olives, and raisins. Cook, stirring occasionally, until completely combined and no liquid remains in the skillet. Season with salt and black or red pepper. Spread on a baking sheet to cool.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll smaller piece of dough into a 12-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick. With a dry pastry brush, brush off any excess flour. Gently press into a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Add filling, and spread evenly.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out remaining piece of dough to an 1/8-inch-thickness. Cut into strips, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Weave the strips forming a lattice top over the filling. Press edges to seal. Trim dough flush with the tart pan.
5. Brush tart evenly with egg. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is heated through, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Escarole Salad

Make lemon-basil oil:
Mix 1/3 cup olive oil, a strip of lemon zest, 8 torn basil leaves and a pinch of salt; infuse 2 hours. Soak 1/2 thinly sliced red onion in water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. When ready to serve, toss 1 head chopped escarole, the onion slices, 2 sliced celery stalks, 3/4 cup chopped green olives and a few tablespoons olive juice, 2 segmented lemons and 1/4 cup each toasted pine nuts and golden raisins in a serving bowl. Discard the zest from the infused oil, drizzle over the salad and season with salt and pepper.