Escarole Quesadillas Food

SAUTEED ESCAROLE

Steps:

• Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
• Once the water has started boiling, add the chopped escarole, and simmer for about 5 minutes. The total time will vary based on how tough the leaves are.
• Meanwhile, over medium heat, drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
• Lower the heat to medium, add the sliced garlic (3-4 cloves) and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Take care not to let the garlic brown.
• If desired, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper
• Remove from heat.
• By this time, the parboiled escarole should be tender. Remove with a slotted spoon, allowing the excess water to drain off and place in a bowl. There will be a little bit of liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the bowl.
• Next, add the drained escarole to the pan of sauteed garlic along with a couple of tablespoons of the drained liquid.The oil might splatter a little so be careful.
• Return the pan back to medium heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. If there is still a bit of liquid left, raise the heat to cook it off.
• Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving dish and if desired serve with lemon wedges.

QUESADILLAS WITH SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
• Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Add 1/3 cup each marinara sauce and water and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are lightly coated and the skillet is mostly dry, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and carefully wipe out the skillet.
• Lay the tortillas on a work surface. Top one side of each tortilla with 1/4 cup mozzarella, 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan, one-quarter of the sausage-and-peppers mixture and another 1/4 cup mozzarella and 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan. Fold the tortillas over the filling and gently press.
• Brush the tortillas with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Working in two batches, cook the quesadillas in the reserved skillet over medium heat until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
• Warm the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce in a small saucepan or the microwave. Cut the quesadillas into wedges. Serve with the sauce for dipping.

SPICY ESCAROLE WITH GARLIC

Steps:

• Cook 3 minced garlic cloves in a skillet with olive oil until golden. Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes. Stir in 1 head torn escarole in batches, season with salt and toss. Cover and cook until the greens are wilted, 5 minutes.

ESCAROLE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray
• Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add the anchovies, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the escarole and salt to the pan, cover and cook until wilted. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute. Remove and discard the garlic cloves. Let the escarole cool slightly, then place it in a large kitchen towel and gently ring out excess moisture. Transfer the greens to the bowl of a food processor. Add the olives, the lemon zest and juice, and the feta and process until finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Add the currants and pulse to combine.
• Unroll the pie crusts. Use one to line a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the pan so there are no air bubbles and leaving some overhang around the edges. Brush the crust with the beaten egg, then spoon in the filling and distribute evenly. Cover with the second pie crust, tucking in and crimping the edges with your fingers or the tines of a fork. Cut three slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the pie with the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 40 minutes. Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

PASTA WITH ESCAROLE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes. Add the escarole and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste; cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate. Wipe out the skillet, add the pancetta and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and blot dry.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then add the garlic and jalapeno and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain the pasta and escarole, reserving 1 cup cooking water, and add to the skillet. Add half of the pancetta and toss, drizzling in enough pasta water to moisten. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the pasta among bowls, top with the breadcrumb mixture, remaining pancetta and the parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil.