Recipe

Baked Chicory Timbale

Savory Delight: Baked Chicory Timbale with a Twist

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Italian cuisine with this delectable Baked Chicory Timbale. A traditional dish originating from Italy, this recipe combines the bitterness of chicory with a medley of aromatic herbs and cheeses, all baked to perfection.

Casserole› Timballo di cicoria al forno

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

35 minutes

Total time

55 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Mediterranean diet

Allergens

Dairy, Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Whole30, Nut-free

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.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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.
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.
Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicory mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
5.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the timbale is set.
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.