Crispy Chestnut, Pear, Stilton Chicory Salad

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €12.93 · €3.23/serving

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oilEst. price €0.45–€0.90
• 2 cups freshly roasted, peeled, and shelled chestnuts; (1 pound in shell or 14 ounces bottled whole) (Roast fresh chestnuts in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, then peel and shell)Est. price €6.00–€12.00
• 2 firm and ripe red pearsEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1 teaspoon high-quality Dijon mustardEst. price €0.08–€0.15
• 1 tablespoon aged Sherry vinegarEst. price €0.25–€0.60
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced shallotEst. price €0.20–€0.40
• 1/2 head of chicory (curly endive), torn into bite-sized pieces (about 6 cups) (Soak chicory in ice water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness)Est. price €0.75–€1.50
• 4 ounces crumbled Stilton cheeseEst. price €4.00–€8.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Add the chestnuts to the skillet and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir the chestnuts continuously until they are crispy on the outside, taking care not to burn them or allow them to become hard. This process should take approximately 4 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat source.

2. 2

   Begin by slicing the pears in half and removing the cores. Proceed to slice them thinly lengthwise.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is well blended. Incorporate the shallot into the mixture by whisking it in.

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• Cultural note

  The combination of chestnuts, pears, and Stilton cheese in this salad reflects a mix of British and European culinary influences. Stilton cheese is a classic British blue cheese known for its strong flavor, and pairing it with the sweetness of pears and the earthiness of chestnuts creates a well-balanced dish with a…

• Seasonal note

  This salad is best made in the fall and winter when chestnuts and pears are in season. Chicory is also a winter vegetable, making it a perfect dish for colder months.

• Health note

  This salad is a good source of fiber, providing 5g per serving, which supports digestive health. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K from ingredients like pears and chicory, offering immune support and bone health benefits. However, it is high in calories and fat, so portion control is recommended for those…