Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Endives
Clean the endives. Remove any damaged outer leaves and cut off the base to remove the bitter core. You may also cut the endives in half lengthwise for faster cooking if you like.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the endives. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning them regularly so they brown slightly on all sides.
Step 3: Caramelize the Endives
Add the sugar to the pan with the endives. This will help caramelize the endives and soften their bitterness. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring gently until the endives begin to turn golden.
Step 4: Add the White Wine
Pour the white wine into the pan. This will deglaze the pan and add a delicate flavor to the dish. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until the endives are tender. If using whole endives, check doneness by piercing them with a knife tip.
Step 5: Wrap the Endives in Ham
Once the endives are cooked, carefully remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly. Take a slice of ham and wrap it around each endive. Make sure the ham is wrapped tightly to hold the endives in place.
Step 6: Reheat and Sauce
In the same pan with the remaining cooking juices, return the ham-wrapped endives. Heat gently for a few minutes until everything is warmed through. If the sauce is too thin, let it reduce for a few minutes over medium heat to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Plate the Dish
To serve, arrange the ham-wrapped endives on a serving platter. Spoon the white wine sauce over them. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish.
Serving Suggestions
These braised endives can be served as a light main course or as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with white meats like chicken or veal, as well as fish. Fresh bread is perfect for dipping into the white wine sauce.
Wine Pairings
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the endives and the richness of the ham. A light red wine can also work if you prefer a different pairing.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences:
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms into the pan for a more colorful dish.
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Use Smoked Ham: For a more intense flavor, try wrapping the endives in smoked ham.
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Add Cream: For an even creamier sauce, add a bit of fresh cream to the white wine before spooning it over the endives.
Conclusion
Braised endives in a pan, wrapped in ham and topped with a white wine sauce, is both an elegant and flavorful dish. Easy to prepare, it will impress your guests while being comforting enough for a family dinner. Don’t hesitate to try this delicious recipe and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
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