Escarole with Garlic and Bread Crumbs

Transform a humble leafy green into a gourmet side dish with this Escarole with Garlic and Bread Crumbs recipe! Perfectly sautéed escarole is infused with the bold flavors of golden garlic and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, then crowned with crispy toasted bread crumbs for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of olive oil and optional parmesan cheese add richness, while a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish. Ready in just over 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, fish, or pasta. Whether you're new to cooking escarole or already a fan, this simple preparation highlights its tender texture and slightly bitter flavor to perfection.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:22 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head escarole
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups bread crumbs
• 0.25 cups parmesan cheese (optional)
• 0.5 whole lemon (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the escarole under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add the chopped escarole to the skillet in batches if necessary, allowing it to wilt slightly as it cooks down. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 7

Season the escarole with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the escarole is tender and any excess liquid has evaporated.

Step 8

In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Transfer the cooked escarole to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs over the top.

Step 10

For added flavor, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(501.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	969.2

Total Fat 68.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 59.4mg	0%
Sodium 2831.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g	0%
Total Sugars 5.8g
Protein 33.3g	0%

Vitamin D 12.8IU	0%
Calcium 987.5mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 997.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.8%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 23.6%