French Grilled Endives with Walnut Dressing

Introduction

Grilled endives are a culinary delight, with their slight bitterness turned into deep, caramelized sweetness when cooked. The Arteflame grill perfectly enhances their flavor, and when paired with a creamy walnut dressing, this dish becomes an irresistible side or appetizer. This easy yet elegant dish is full of rich, nutty, and slightly tangy flavors, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 Belgian endives, halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. To light the grill, soak three paper napkins with vegetable oil.
2. Place them at the center of the Arteflame grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Endives

1. Slice the Belgian endives in half lengthwise.
2. Brush them generously with melted butter.
3. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Endives

1. Place the endives cut-side down on the flat cooktop griddle, closer to the center for more heat.
2. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and slightly caramelized.
3. Flip and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Walnut Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.
2. Stir in the chopped walnuts and fresh parsley.
3. Drizzle in the honey and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Place the grilled endives on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle them with the walnut dressing.
3. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Grill the endives on the hotter inner zone for a deep caramelization, then move them to the outer zone to keep warm until serving.
• Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
• If the endives seem too bitter, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes before grilling to mellow their flavor.

Variations

1. Blue Cheese Walnut Dressing: Replace Greek yogurt with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist.
2. Honey Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle grilled endives with a reduced honey-balsamic mixture for added sweetness.
3. Smoky Bacon Walnut Dressing: Add crispy bacon bits to the dressing for extra crunch and smoky depth.
4. Spicy Dijon Dressing: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
5. Maple Walnut Dressing: Swap honey for maple syrup for a sweet, autumnal flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled endives with walnut dressing are a simple yet sophisticated dish with a delicious balance of bitterness, creaminess, and nuttiness. The Arteflame grill brings out the best caramelization, creating an indulgent, smoky flavor you can’t resist. Try this recipe as a side or appetizer for your next gathering!

Best Pairings

• Grilled steak or lamb chops
• A crisp French Sauvignon Blanc
• Buttery garlic mashed potatoes
• A fresh arugula salad with pears and walnuts