Many itaalian restaurants serve white beans and escarole, but I never saw them serve white beans and broccoli.
2007-04-23 07:29:56 · 5 answers · asked by modah 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Ethnic Cuisine
Escarole is a hearty leafy veg that can stand up to the beans, broccoli would fall apart and disintegrate.
2007-04-23 08:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by Desi Chef 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
White beans and escarole is a classic dish from northern Italy across to France. I make a dish for friends that calls for simmering tuna steaks in white beans and escarole. Sound wierd, but it's great.
2007-04-23 14:35:35 · answer #2 · answered by Old Punk Dad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I make it with chicory-type escarole, and it has a much stronger flavor and different texture than broccoli. The softness and blandness of the beans counters the acid and astringency in the greens, so you have a lively mix of flavors. It's best with a little mild vinegar.
2007-04-23 16:39:58 · answer #3 · answered by Irene F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Two different kinds of veges and two different levels of acidity and flavor! Escarole is leafy and mild, brocolli comes in stalks or florets and has a stronger flavor. Italian dishes that call for escarole and white beans are looking for a savory mild flavor that is rich, but not pungent. Brocolli is best left to its own devices and served with stir-fry, cheese sauce, or in soup!
2007-04-23 14:38:19 · answer #4 · answered by JennyP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Broccoli would be both the wrong texture and the wrong taste for this recipe. Escarole is a bitter green, in the lettuce family. If you're going to substitute another green, you use another bitter green. Even though it's not green in colour, radicchio would be a good option. If you want to keep it green, try using rapini.
Bitter greens are frequently used in Italian cooking, partially for flavour, partially for texture and partially because bitter greens aid in digestion.
2007-04-23 23:20:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋