Buttered Belgian Endives
Buttered Belgian endives offer a tender, buttery, and slightly tangy side with fresh parsley, perfect for elegant dinners or as a sophisticated vegetable accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub the butter over the bottom of a shallow flameproof casserole or skillet.
- Trim off the bottoms and any damaged outer leaves of the endive and cut the heads into diagonal slices about 1-inch thick.
- Put them in the pan with salt and pepper to taste, lemon juice, and water.
- Press a piece of buttered foil on top of the endive and cover with a lid.
- Cook over low heat for 7 to 8 minutes or until the endive is tender.
- Shake the pan occasionally.
- Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of white wine to the cooking water. If you can’t find Belgian endives, you might substitute with other chicory varieties like frisée or radicchio. To enhance texture, serve with a side of toasted nuts or seeds. If you're making this dish vegetarian, ensure the butter is made from plant-based ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These buttered Belgian endives make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted poultry. They also pair beautifully with vegetarian recipes like Very Fancy Sweet Potatoes, adding a touch of elegance to your meal. Garnish with additional parsley or serve alongside a light citrus salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttered Belgian Endives contains roughly 28 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1485mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the endives and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. Just be sure to keep them wrapped to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, cook them as instructed, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I serve with buttered Belgian endives?
Buttered Belgian endives complement a variety of dishes. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats or fish, and also work well as part of a vegetarian spread. Consider serving them with a creamy dip, like Sliced Orange Dip, for a unique flavor combination.
Can I use different cooking methods for the endives?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a stovetop method, you can also roast or grill the endives for a different flavor profile. Simply coat them with butter and season before placing them on a hot grill or in the oven at 400°F until tender and slightly charred.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).