Sautéed Escarole
- lb escarole (about 4 heads), cored and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for drizzling
- 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
- 1 (2-oz) can anchovy fillets in olive oil, drained, patted dry, and chopped
Wash escarole well in a sinkful of water, then lift out and drain. Cook escarole in a 7- to 8-quart heavy pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 10 minutes, then drain in a colander.
Heat oil in same pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Add anchovies, then reduce heat to moderate and cook, stirring, until dissolved, about 1 minute. Add escarole, stirring to coat with oil, then increase heat to moderately high and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until escarole is tender and most of liquid is evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Season lightly with salt.
Spoon onto a platter and drizzle with oil to taste.
Cooks' note: Escarole can be sautéed (but not drizzled with oil) 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat in a large pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until hot.
Gourmet May 2005
