Baked Chicory Timbale

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicory leaves 500g (1.1 lb) chicory leaves
• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing Olive oil for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chicory leaves and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
3. 3.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicory, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicory mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the timbale is set.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicory — Make sure to remove any tough stems before cooking.
• Ricotta cheese — Use fresh ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese yourself for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add some cooked bacon or pancetta to the chicory mixture before baking.
• Serve the timbale with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to customize the dish to your taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.
• Serve the timbale with a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Slice the Baked Chicory Timbale into wedges and serve it warm. It can be enjoyed as a main course accompanied by a side salad or as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Baked Chicory Timbale with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to add a pop of color. Serve it on a decorative platter to enhance its visual appeal.