Creamy Swiss Chard Gratin with Crispy Gnocchi
A riff on creamed spinach, this cheesy gratin is studded with buttery toasted gnocchi. Swiss chard adds an earthy bite, while a duo of nutty Gruyère and salty Parmigiano-Reggiano brings richness and depth to the béchamel. Store-bought gnocchi help this gratin come together in a flash; toasting it in butter instead of boiling adds a compelling crunch.
Niños Envueltos Dominicanos (Dominican Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Rich with the flavors of sofrito and three types of ground meat, these savory cabbage rolls are irresistible—especially in this version, which comes from Gravalese’s Dominican grandmother. The name of the dish, which translates to “swaddled children,” comes from the shape of the cabbage rolls themselves, but also nods to their deeply comforting nature.
Vigorón (Nicaraguan Cabbage and Yuca with Chicharrones)
Inspired by Mandy Baca's love of Sedano's, a Miami-based Latin grocery store, contrast is king in this refreshing Nicaraguan snack starring mildly sweet, tender yuca; a bracing, crunchy cabbage slaw; and salty chicharrones. Be sure to dress the yuca with all of the vinegar dressing from the cabbage slaw; it cuts through the dense starch and flavors the whole dish.
Sautéed Water Spinach with Fermented Tofu (Fu Ru Kong Xin Cai)
Crisp, mild-tasting water spinach is a favorite leafy green enjoyed in Taiwan. When lightly sautéed, the hollow stalks retain a crisp texture that’s appealing enough for the finest banquet tables. While often simply sautéed with garlic, a touch of fermented tofu is sometimes added to provide a hint of savory flavor and a cloudy complexion to the liquids released from the greens. Fermented tofu is found in tiny cubes packed in small jars, and is extremely potent. Only a small dab needs to be used, mixed with some water, to gently flavor an entire dish of these greens.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Chicories Will Brighten Any Plate
How chefs are embracing the bitter vegetable this winter.
