Italian cuisine is synonymous with tradition and simplicity, and the chicory and broad bean dish is a perfect example. This recipe, particularly popular in the southern regions of Italy, combines the slightly bitter taste of chicory with the natural sweetness of broad beans, creating a balance of flavours that captivates at first taste. Preparing chicory and broad beans is not only a culinary journey into the authentic flavours of our land, but also a way to rediscover the pleasure of home cooking, using simple and genuine ingredients.
This recipe is not only a celebration of taste, but also of Italian gastronomic culture. Broad beans are often turned into a velvety puree, which goes perfectly with boiled or sautéed chicory. The result? A dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course, enriched with a drizzle ofextra virgin olive oil and, why not, some bread croutons to add a crunchy note.
If you are looking for a dish that tastes of home and tradition, or if you want to surprise your guests with a recipe that tells stories of the countryside and conviviality, chicory and broad beans is the ideal choice. Discover the secrets of traditional preparation on our website and let our step-by-step guide guide guide you to making this culinary masterpiece. Bring the essence of Italian flavours to the table with ease and style!
The legend of chicory and broad beans: the meal of good spirits
It is said that, many centuries ago, in the sunny countryside of Apulia, there was a small village at the foot of an ancient masseria, inhabited by poor but generous farmers. Every year, at the spring solstice, the earth seemed to wake up suddenly, and with it the benevolent spirits of the fields, called li spiriticchi in the local dialect.
These spirits, invisible to the eyes but present in the sounds of the wind and the scents of the earth, protected the crops and the shepherds, but they had only one request: a simple dish to be found on the evening of the first day of spring, left outside the house, on the windowsill or under an olive tree. It was said that if that dish was liked, the season would bring abundance and health.
The dish they loved the most was chicory and broad bean puree: the bitterness of the chicory captured the strength of the wild earth, while the sweetness of the broad beans represented the hope of a good future.
One year, however, the harvest was poor and many left nothing. The land became hard, the rains were late. Only one old peasant woman, very poor, put aside the only thing she had: a steaming plate of freshly harvested broad beans and chicory. That night, it is said, a golden light enveloped her field, and the next day her broad beans sprouted lushly, ahead of all predictions.
From that day on, chicory and broad beans became not only a food of sustenance, but a symbol of gratitude to the earth and a sign of good omen. Even today, those who prepare it with love say it brings good luck, abundance… and perhaps even a smile from li spiriticchi.
Ingredients needed for chicory and broad beans
To prepare the delicious traditional chicory and broad bean dish, you will need a few simple but essential ingredients that guarantee an authentic culinary experience. Start with 500 grams of dried broad beans, which are the main element of the recipe. Be sure to choose the best qualities available, preferably organic, to get a full and genuine flavour. The broad beans should be soaked for at least 12 hours before cooking to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
In addition to broad beans, you will need 300 grams of fresh chicory. Chicory gives the dish a bitterish flavour that goes perfectly with the sweetness of the broad beans. It is important to wash the chicory thoroughly to remove any remaining soil and cut it into even pieces for even cooking.
Don’t forget the garlic: two cloves will be enough to add that indispensable aromatic touch. Lastly, you will need extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients without covering them up.
Buying these fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial to the success of the recipe. On our e-commerce site you will find some of the products you need to prepare this Italian delicacy directly at home.
Step-by-step preparation
Preparing a delicious chicory and broad bean dish is simpler than you might think, but requires attention to detail to bring out the authentic flavours. Start by soaking the dried broad beans the night before, allowing them to soften properly. The next day, drain the broad beans and transfer them to a large pot with plenty of cold water. Bring to the boil and let them simmer until they completely disintegrate, forming a smooth, creamy puree. Add a pinch of salt only towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the broad beans from becoming hard.
While the broad beans are cooking, wash the chicory thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining soil. Cut off the tough parts and boil the leaves in plenty of salted water for a few minutes until tender but still slightly crunchy. Drain the chicory well and set aside.
In a non-stick pan, heat a little extra virgin olive oil with a crushed clove of garlic and, if you like, a pinch of chilli pepper to give the dish a spicy note. Add the boiled chicory and fry it quickly to amalgamate the flavours. Once the broad bean puree is ready, serve by placing a generous portion in the centre of the plate and lay the sautéed chicory on top.
Finally, complete the dish with a drizzle of raw oil and, if you wish, a few toasted bread croutons to add a nice crunch. This traditional recipe for broad beans and chicory, simple but full of flavour, is sure to win over your guests’ palates and make them fall in love with the most genuine Italian cuisine.
