Sauteed Radicchio With Honey And Balsamic Vinegar

Serve this simple side of sautéed radicchio with grilled steak, chicken, or Italian sausages. The slight bitterness of radicchio is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, making it a versatile and delicious accompaniment to many main dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 heads radicchio, cored and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Prepare the Radicchio

1. Rinse the Radicchio:
   Rinse the radicchio under cold water, leaving some water clinging to the leaves. This residual water will help steam the radicchio during cooking.
2. Core and Tear:
   Core the radicchio and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces.

Heat the Oil

1. Heat the Skillet:
   In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté the Radicchio

1. Add Radicchio:
   Add the prepared radicchio to the skillet.
2. Season:
   Season with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
3. Cook:
   Cook the radicchio, tossing frequently, until the leaves wilt and become tender, about 4 minutes.

Add the Balsamic and Honey

1. Reduce Heat:
   Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Drizzle and Stir:
   Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the radicchio, followed by the honey. Stir to combine, ensuring the radicchio is evenly coated with the vinegar and honey mixture.

Cook and Caramelize

1. Caramelize:
   Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the balsamic vinegar and honey to caramelize slightly and coat the radicchio with a glossy finish.
2. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

1. Transfer and Serve:
   Transfer the sautéed radicchio to a serving dish. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled steak, chicken, or Italian sausages.

Additional Tips

• Enhance Flavor: For added depth of flavor, you can sprinkle a few red pepper flakes during the sautéing process for a hint of heat.
• Garnish Options: For extra texture and flavor, consider garnishing the finished dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts.
• Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with simple pasta or risotto, balancing rich and creamy main courses with its slightly bitter and sweet notes.

This Sautéed Radicchio With Honey And Balsamic Vinegar is a quick and easy side dish that brings out the best in radicchio. It transforms its bold flavor into a delightful and sophisticated accompaniment for any meal. Enjoy!