Escarole, Pear, and Parmesan Salad

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €15.52 · €2.59/serving

• 1 tablespoon of premium extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.12–€0.25
• 1 cup of exquisite hazelnuts, roughly chopped (toast lightly for enhanced flavor)Est. price €3.50–€6.00
• Kosher salt to tasteEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1 small clove of fresh garlic, peeled and minced (saute in oil for a milder flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 2 tablespoons of luxurious red wine vinegarEst. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 tablespoon of fine Dijon mustardEst. price €0.10–€0.20
• Freshly ground black pepper, to add a touch of spiceEst. price €0.01–€0.02
• 1/2 cup of top-quality extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 2 heads of escarole, approximately 2 1/2 pounds, outer leaves discarded, leaves torn into small, delectable piecesEst. price €3.00–€5.00
• 2 regal Comice or Anjou pears, preferably red, cores removed, thinly sliced lengthwiseEst. price €0.70–€1.20

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by warming up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the hazelnuts and stir them occasionally until they turn a lovely golden color, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle them with 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt for seasoning. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside for later use.

2. 2

   Begin by finely chopping a garlic clove. Then, using the side of a chef's knife, crush the garlic with 1/4 tsp. of kosher salt until it forms a smooth paste. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic paste with vinegar, mustard, and 1/4 tsp. of pepper. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine escarole, pears, Parmesan, basil, and around one-third of the hazelnuts that were set aside. Drizzle vinaigrette over the ingredients. Gently mix everything together until the salad is well coated. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Finish by sprinkling the remaining hazelnuts on top of the salad before serving.

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• Cultural note

  Escarole, Pear, and Parmesan Salad combines ingredients from various culinary traditions. Escarole is commonly used in Italian cuisine, pears add sweetness and texture, and Parmesan cheese brings a savory umami flavor. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad reflects a blend of Mediterranean and European…

• Seasonal note

  Escarole and pears are typically in season during the fall and winter months, making this salad ideal for those seasons. Basil may be best enjoyed in the summer when it's at its freshest.

• Health note

  This salad is a good source of fiber, providing 24% of the daily recommended intake. It is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health. The salad is relatively high in calories and fat, so portion control is important for those watching their intake.