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Sautéed Chicory

This sautéed chicory is a sophisticated vegan side dish that balances the vegetable's natural bitterness with fragrant garlic and a gentle heat from red-pepper flakes. By blanching the leaves first, you ensure a tender texture while removing any harshness, allowing the bright flavours of the extra-virgin olive oil to shine through. It is a wonderfully simple way to prepare this seasonal leafy green, offering a clean and punchy accompaniment to a variety of main courses.

Quick to prepare and naturally healthy, this dish is an excellent choice for a mid-week supper or a plant-based dinner party. The combination of garlic and chilli provides a classic Mediterranean profile that pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables or crusty sourdough bread. High in fibre and packed with nutrients, it is a versatile addition to any vegan repertoire.

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Ingredients for Sautéed Chicory

  • 1.4kg chicory (about 2 heads), outer ribs discarded and remainder cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoons hot red-pepper flakes

How to make Sautéed Chicory

Wash chicory. Cook in an 8-quart pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 5.7L water), uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well.

Dry pot, then heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Cook garlic with red-pepper flakes, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute.

Add chicory, stirring to coat. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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