Radicchio Salad with Bread Sauce
4 servings
30 minutes
Radicchio and bread sauce salad is a vibrant embodiment of Italian culinary tradition, where the simplicity of ingredients transforms into gastronomic art. Radicchio, known for its characteristic bitter taste, is softened here by a creamy bread sauce that adds richness and a delicate texture to the dish. Croutons add crunch, while shallots provide a light spiciness. Historically, radicchio was used in Venetian cuisine, paired with rich contrasting ingredients. This salad is perfect as a standalone dish or an elegant appetizer for the main dinner. It reveals the depth of Italian gastronomy, where even the most humble ingredients can create a true culinary masterpiece.
1
The bread should be sourdough (cut off the crust, divide the crumb into small pieces (about 1 cup), separately).
- White bread: 100 g
2
Preheat the oven to 220˚C. Mix the bread with 1 tbsp of oil on a rimmed baking sheet, season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown for 8-10 minutes.
- Olive oil: 0.5 glass
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
3
Blend garlic, vinegar, mustard, sugar, remaining bread, and 2 tbsp of water; let sit for 5 minutes to soften the bread. Restart the blender, gradually add the remaining ⅓ oil; blend until smooth for about 2 minutes (the bread should mix with the sauce, giving it thickness, flavor, and texture); season with salt and pepper.
- Finely chopped garlic: 1 clove
- Wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- White bread: 100 g
- Olive oil: 0.5 glass
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
4
Mix radicchio, shallots, croutons, and dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- Radicchio salad: 1 bunch
- Shallots: 2 heads
- White bread: 100 g
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste