Braised Chicory with Garlic and Anchovy Butter
This French-inspired side dish uses braised chicory to showcase its characteristic bitterness, enhanced by a savory garlic-anchovy butter sauce. This french-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted butter, finely minced garlic cloves, finely chopped anchovy fillets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 12 oz), halved lengthwise chicory heads
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3, finely minced garlic cloves
- 2, finely chopped anchovy fillets
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add 2 halved chicory heads and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and tender, turning gently.
- Step 2: Remove chicory from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium-low and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 finely chopped anchovy fillets to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and anchovies have dissolved into the butter.
- Step 3: Return the chicory to the skillet, spoon the garlic-anchovy butter over the top, and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook together for 1 more minute to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Chicory with Garlic and Anchovy Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Chicory with Garlic and Anchovy Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Chicory with Garlic and Anchovy Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Braised Chicory with Garlic and Anchovy Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Braised Chicory with Garlic and Anchovy Butter?
French vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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