I LOVE grilled veggies. What do you like to grill? I confess to love them all; a personal favourite for many years, is our feature today! Radicchio, proud member of the Chicory family has a delicious slightly bitter taste. Grilling radicchio transforms the bitterness into a melt in your mouth bitter-sweet sensation. You'll love this grilled radicchio!
Why eat Radicchio?
Well, it's low in calories~ (if you count 'em!) 100 g fresh leaves = just 23 calories.
It's an excellent source of vitamin K ~ 100 g provides 212% of daily recommended values
Vitamin K is emerging as one of the vitamins to get to know!
It has a potentially powerful role in bone health and is thought to support the nervous system and brain health!
It's an excellent source of antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein which are important for eye health generally and specifically for protection from age related macular disease (ARMD)
Radicchio makes a delightful accompaniment to so many main dishes OR served as a vegetarian main.
Here are THREE of my picks for grilled radicchio!
Just adjust the amounts if using more than 2 'heads':
Grilled Radicchio #1
Such an easy very flavourful side dish or ingredient for a tasty vegetarian main!
Ingredients
- 2 radicchio heads cut in half or quarters
- ½ cup olive oil divided
- 1-2 teaspoon sea salt divided
- 2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, divided
- 1 -2 tbsp balsamic vinegar varies according to size of radicchio
Instructions
-
Leaving the core intact, cut each radicchio in halves or quarters if large heads.
-
Brush with half of the oil.
-
Sprinkle with half of the sea salt and half of the freshly ground pepper.
-
Place on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill the radicchio until edges are crisp and slightly charred, turning occasionally for about 8 minutes. Just put right on the grill or use a grill pan.
-
Remove to platter; drizzle with balsamic vinegar and the remaining oil.
-
Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.
Recipe Notes
The amounts will vary; depending upon the size of the radicchio. These beauties can vary in size.
Adapted from Canadian Living Magazine: June 2008
Grilled Radicchio # 2
Grilled Radicchio # 2
Ingredients
- 2 heads radicchio
- 3 tablespoon 45 mL extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon 2 mL pepper, freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon 2 mL sea salt or salt
- 1 tablespoon 15 mL balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or your preference)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary fresh, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves skinned, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Sprinkle of orange peel finely grated
- ½ cup Romano or Parmesan cheese 'shavings'
Instructions
-
Leaving the core intact, cut each radicchio in halves or quarters if large heads.
-
Brush with half of the oil.
-
Sprinkle with half of the sea salt and half of the freshly ground pepper.
-
Grill the radicchio on high heat, uncovered, turning often.
-
The colour will change and ideally a nice 'char' will form around the edges.
-
Remove and set aside.
-
Whisk all but the cheese with the remaining olive oil.
-
Toss radicchio pieces in a bowl.
-
Marinate for 10-15 minutes. Drain and reserve marinade
-
Top with shavings of Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
Recipe Notes
Omit the cheese and this dish works with #Paleo + #Whole 30 + #Vegan lifestyles
Grilled Radicchio #3 (aka Grilled Radicchio n' Greens)
This can be the most scrumptious 'warm salad' ~ so colourful,
rich in textures + quite delightful!
Grilled Radicchio #3
aka Grilled Radicchio n' Greens
Ingredients
- 2 heads radicchio
- 3 tablespoon 45 mL extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon 2 mL pepper, freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon 2 mL sea salt or salt
- 1 tablespoon 15 mL balsamic vinegar
- Basil one handful, rinsed, dried, chopped
- Parsley one handful, rinsed, dried, chopped
- Optional: Add wild greens* r substitute your own favourite greens
- ½ cup Romano or Parmesan cheese 'shavings'
Dressing:
- ½ cup Olive oil
- ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves mashed or pressed
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
Instructions
-
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients and set aside.
-
Put the dressing together first so it's good to go when the radicchio is ready!
-
Leaving the core intact, cut each radicchio in halves or quarters if large heads.
-
Brush with half of the oil.
-
Sprinkle with half of the sea salt and half of the freshly ground pepper.
-
Grill on high heat, uncovered.
-
Turn often but allow edges to crisp up (slightly charred not black!)
-
Remove from the grill to a cutting board.
-
Chop the radicchio into bite sized chunks.
-
Toss with the basil and parsley (or other greens ~ wild if possible)
-
Add the dressing and combine lightly.
Recipe Notes
This salad is delicious warm or served at room temperature.
Omit the cheese and this dish is also #vegan #Paleo + #Whole 30
* Use wild greens if possible/available. Here are some ideas for this salad
Here's to wonderful fun-filled days ahead.
Carol xo
Meredith
I have never grilled radicchio, but it sounds absolutely delicious. And I love that you have offered three different recipes... I am sure to find one that my family just loves!
Carol Little
Thanks Meredith! I hope you try these and love them all!! We do!
ChihYu
I always wonder what to do with them now I have 3 more flavors to enjoy radicchio. Thanks for sharing !
Carol Little
Thanks for popping by -- Hope you enjoy these!
Tina
Sounds delicious! We used to grill romaine all the time when we lived in California, and this really reminds me of it. I'll have to try radicchio next time!
Carol Little
Hello Tina! I hope you do try radicchio.. truly amazing flavours!
By the way -- thanks for the reminder re romaine!
Megan Stevens
I have never done this, but it's now so tempting. I love the balsamic on top.
Carol Little
Megan! I hope you'll try it. Such a super way also.. to add a little 'bitter' into the meal.. in a small way..
Katrina
Pinned! embarrassed to say but I've t]never cooked this before. Appreciate you explaining all the benefits. This usually motivates me to try something new.
Carol Little
I hope you do try it. We are addicted! Nothing to b be embarrassed about. Hope you do check out radicchio!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I can't believe I'm saying this but I never grill lettuce. I always want to try it but I haven't yet. This will be on my menu for the long holiday weekend!
Carol Little
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do Karen!!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Carol this is brilliant! I have never had grilled radicchio before and I bet cooked this way would be the way I would like it. Radicchio is too bitter for me sometimes, but I have a feeling grilled the flavor is so lovely. I'm going to try your #3 version with that tangy dijon dressing. Sounds delicious!
Carol Little
Thanks Em. Hope you enjoy it!
Katie Walsh Beck
I love love love grilled radicchio - it is such a great compliment to so many main dishes!
Liz Della Croce
I've never tried this before, but it looks perfect for this upcoming grill season!
Lindsey Dietz
I usually don't like radicchio because of the bitterness. Will have to try your method!
Jean
I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy radicchio since I'm not that familiar with it, and this is such a great resource! Looks so delicious.
Carol Little
It is SO good. I hope you'll try it soon Jean!
linda spiker
Sounds like a delicious, unique salad!
Joni Gomes
I have not thought to grill radicchio, great idea!
Tessa Simpson
I love to grill veggies, like roasting, it add a unique and delicious twist to most veggies!