Best Easy Scarola Imbottita Recipe

Stuffed escarole with olives, capers, and anchovies is a Neapolitan family tradition. This fresh mediterranean dish is healthy, rich in fiber, and a unique side bursting with southern Italian flavor.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 140 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian #diabetic friendly #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • escarole 2 heads
  • anchovy fillets 6 pieces
  • pitted black olives 1 cup
  • capers 2 tbsp
  • bread crumbs 1 cup
  • pine nuts 1 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • fresh parsley 2 tbsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 16 g 46%
Protein 5 g 14%
Fat 7 g 40%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a baking dish for the escarole.

  2. 2

    Separate and rinse the escarole heads, then blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to soften. Drain well and press to remove excess moisture.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add capers, olives, pine nuts, anchovies, and half of the parsley. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring to break up the anchovies.

  4. 4

    Remove skillet from heat and stir in the bread crumbs; season mixture with salt and black pepper. Let cool slightly.

  5. 5

    Lay the escarole leaves open and spoon the filling into the center. Fold or roll leaves to enclose fillings and place in the baking dish side by side.

  6. 6

    Drizzle remaining olive oil over the stuffed escarole. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes more for a lightly crispy top.

  7. 7

    Sprinkle remaining parsley before serving warm.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Escarole is the star of this dish, offering the classic Neapolitan flavor and tender texture. The stuffing, highlighted by anchovy fillets, olives, and capers, adds layers of savory, salty, and briny notes that define Scarola Imbottita's unique taste.
Q. Which seasoning gives the stuffing its signature Mediterranean flavor?
Extra virgin olive oil and fresh parsley are essential. Olive oil combines the filling ingredients smoothly and infuses the escarole with richness, while parsley provides a fresh herbal lift, enhancing the Mediterranean character.
Q. How do I prevent the escarole from becoming soggy during baking?
After blanching, it's crucial to drain and gently press the escarole leaves to remove excess water. This step, combined with baking the stuffed escarole uncovered for the final 10 minutes, ensures a crisp finish and avoids sogginess.
Q. What are the nutrition facts per serving?
Each 180g serving has about 140 kcal, with carbohydrates making up 46% (16g), protein 14% (5g), and fat 40% (7g) of the total caloric value. Scarola Imbottita is rich in fiber and fits Mediterranean, vegetarian, and diabetic-friendly diets.
Q. Why is Scarola Imbottita suitable for vegetarian diets?
The recipe contains no meat, poultry, or seafood beyond anchovy fillets, which are traditionally used for flavor. If the anchovies are omitted or substituted, Scarola Imbottita becomes fully vegetarian, otherwise it remains pescatarian and suitable for Mediterranean and DASH diets.
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