Grilling Escarole: How to Get the Perfect Char

Are you looking to elevate your grilling game with a unique and delicious vegetable dish? Grilled escarole is the perfect choice for those looking to add a smoky char to their greens. In this article, we will explore the best techniques and tips for grilling escarole to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a newbie to the BBQ scene, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to achieve that mouthwatering char on your escarole. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!

Choosing the Right Escarole

When it comes to grilling escarole, selecting the right escarole is key to achieving the perfect char. Look for escarole heads that are firm and tightly packed with crisp, vibrant green leaves. Avoid any heads that are wilting, yellowing, or have brown spots.

Selecting Fresh Escarole

To ensure you are using the freshest escarole for grilling, consider purchasing it from a local farmer’s market or grocery store that has a high turnover of produce. Fresh escarole should have a slightly bitter taste and a crunchy texture.

Preparing the Escarole Leaves

Before grilling escarole, it is important to properly prepare the leaves. Start by removing any damaged or wilted outer leaves. Then, rinse the escarole under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel before proceeding with grilling.

Preparing the Grill

Before grilling escarole, it’s important to properly prepare your grill to ensure that you achieve the perfect char on your greens. Follow these steps to get your grill ready for cooking.

Cleaning and Preheating the Grill

Start by cleaning your grill grates with a wire brush to remove any leftover residue from previous grilling sessions. This will help prevent your escarole from sticking to the grates and ensure even cooking.

Once your grill grates are clean, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. This will help create those beautiful grill marks on your escarole and give it a delicious charred flavor.

Adding Flavor with Wood Chips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to your grill. Once your grill is preheated, sprinkle the soaked wood chips over the charcoal or add them to a smoker box for a subtle smoky flavor.

By following these steps to prepare your grill, you’ll be on your way to grilling escarole to perfection and impressing your guests with a delicious and flavorful side dish.

Grilling the Escarole

Grilling escarole is a great way to bring out its natural flavors and add a smoky charred element to your dish. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect char on your escarole.

Seasoning the Escarole

Before placing the escarole on the grill, it’s important to season it properly. Drizzle the escarole with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Grilling Techniques

When grilling escarole, it’s important to use high heat and keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Place the seasoned escarole directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until charred and slightly wilted. Be sure to rotate the escarole to ensure even cooking.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the escarole is done, you can use a fork to pierce the stem. It should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Additionally, the outer leaves should be charred and crispy while the inner leaves remain slightly wilted.

Follow these tips to grill escarole to perfection and impress your guests with a delicious and unique side dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grilling escarole is a simple and delicious way to elevate this often overlooked vegetable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve the perfect char on your escarole every time. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or incorporating it into a salad or pasta dish, grilled escarole is sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!