Stuffed Escarole Leaves With Marinated Chickpeas
Description
This refreshing dish transforms humble dried chickpeas into a luxurious, textured filling that pairs beautifully with the crisp-tender bite of blanched escarole. The chickpeas are slow-cooked with aromatic bay leaves and earthy dried sage, then lightly mashed to create a creamy yet substantial base. Fresh diced tomatoes and minced garlic add brightness and depth, while a splash of white wine vinegar cuts through the richness for a balanced flavor profile. Perfect for a light summer dinner or a hearty vegetarian lunch, these stuffed leaves are elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight meals.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse dried chickpeas thoroughly and place in a large bowl. Cover with 9 cups of water and refrigerate overnight to soak.
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In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the dried sage and bay leaves.
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Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then add them to the boiling water. Cook until soft, about 30 to 45 minutes.
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Drain the chickpeas, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid. Return chickpeas to the pot or place in a bowl.
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Sprinkle chickpeas with salt and pepper. Lightly mash them with a fork until they are broken down but still have some texture. Set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, toss the diced tomatoes with minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley.
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Add the cooled, mashed chickpeas to the tomato mixture. Add just enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten the mixture.
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Stir in white wine vinegar to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside.
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Separate the escarole leaves. Submerge them in the boiling water for about 2 minutes, until soft but still crisp.
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Remove escarole leaves from the water and immediately plunge them into the ice water to stop the cooking process.
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Drain the escarole leaves and pat them dry with paper towels.
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Lay each leaf flat. Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chickpea mixture at the broad end of each leaf.
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Roll up the leaf like a cigar, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling.
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Serve the stuffed escarole rolls at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 9 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 784.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.1g25%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 1271.6mg53%
- Total Carbohydrate 165.5g56%
- Dietary Fiber 55.1g221%
- Sugars 12.3g
- Protein 30.8g62%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.