Side dishes

Radicchio rolls

⏱ 15 min🍳 15 min👤 3 pp★★☆☆☆

Today, our chef takes us on a short culinary journey to the Veneto and offers us a recipe for radicchio wrapped with pancetta. Everyone knows that Treviso is the home of radicchio and the source of many recipes with which to enjoy this delicious vegetable. Radicchio is prized for its nutrient content and can be prepared in many different ways, including this simple and delicious dish. The radicchio is wrapped in pancetta or bacon to make a delicate and tasty side dish, usually served as an accompaniment to some lovely grilled meat with polenta! A perfect recipe for a simple lunch or dinner party – your guests will be pleasantly surprised. Just follow our recipe and the detailed photo gallery where, step-by-step, you can see how our chef makes this simple and tasty dish. Are you ready to soak up your guests’ praise and compliments?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
15 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 3 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Cut the radicchio into quarters or sixths and wash it thoroughly. Wrap each piece of radicchio with a slice of pancetta or bacon. Arrange the wrapped slices on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and season well with salt. Add a dash of marsala to the radicchio, and then drizzle over some olive oil. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes. This tasty side dish from the Veneto is ready: serve with polenta and meat.

Tips
When buying a fresh radicchio it is very important that the leaves are shiny and neither too withered nor too wet, because too much water can cause the loss of vitamin content. Since you keep it in the fridge, and to avoid too much moisture damaging the leaves, keep it in a paper bag. Also, to take away any overly bitter taste, soak it in cold water and then dress with a good balsamic vinegar.
Trivia
The denomination ‘Radicchio Rosso di Treviso’ is a protected term in Italy, meaning that it can be used only for produce made in just over twenty municipalities in the provinces of Treviso, Padua and Venice, identified by the European Union. Thus "Radicchio di Treviso" could not be used for something produced in, for example, Belluno: the improper use of the name would be subject to a legal penalty.

Step by step

Radicchio
Radicchio
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Treviso Radicchio Rolls with Bacon

One of the most appreciated variations of Treviso radicchio rolls is the one with bacon. This preparation enhances the bitter flavor of the radicchio, balancing it with the saltiness and crunchiness of the bacon. To make this version, start by cutting the radicchio into quarters or sixths and washing it thoroughly. Each wedge is then wrapped in a slice of bacon, which melts during baking and infuses the radicchio with an intense flavor. The rolls should be arranged on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, seasoned with salt and a touch of Marsala for an enveloping aroma. Finally, a drizzle of oil before baking at 180 degrees for 10 minutes. This dish is perfect as a rich and flavorful side, ideal to pair with creamy polenta.

Treviso Radicchio Rolls Venetian Style

The preparation of Treviso radicchio rolls Venetian style is a tribute to the culinary tradition of Veneto. In this version, you can vary the use of bacon with other typical cured meats from the region, such as prosciutto crudo. The cooking method remains the same, but the final flavor is enriched with different notes depending on the chosen cured meat. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish, always accompanied by polenta or mashed potatoes. The important thing is to maintain the right balance between the bitter flavor of the radicchio and the saltiness of the cured meat, making every bite a triumph of taste. Don't forget to pair it with a good Veneto wine to further enhance the gastronomic experience.

Light Treviso Radicchio Rolls without Bacon

For those looking for a lighter version of Treviso radicchio rolls, you can opt for a preparation without bacon. In this variant, the radicchio is simply wrapped in slices of grilled zucchini or eggplant, for a dish that maintains freshness and lightness. The cooking is still done in the oven, but you can choose to brush it with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of black pepper for flavor. This recipe is perfect for those on a healthy diet but who do not want to give up taste. Additionally, the light rolls can be accompanied by a yogurt and lemon sauce, for a touch of freshness that completes the dish. They are an excellent choice for a summer lunch or a light dinner.

Treviso Radicchio Rolls: Benefits and Calories

Treviso radicchio is a vegetable rich in beneficial properties for health. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and is known for its purifying and digestive properties. Thanks to its fiber content, it helps maintain proper intestinal function. Moreover, radicchio is low in calories, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. On average, 100 grams of Treviso radicchio provide about 20 calories, making it an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor. The combination with bacon, although higher in calories, offers a richness of flavors that can be balanced with moderate consumption.

Can Treviso Radicchio Rolls be Frozen?

The question of whether Treviso radicchio rolls can be frozen is common among those who love to prepare dishes in advance. The answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the rolls before cooking, wrapping them in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. This way, the flavors and texture are best preserved. Once ready to be cooked, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours and then bake them following the original recipe. However, once cooked, radicchio tends to lose texture and flavor, so freezing is not recommended in this case. Preparing fresh rolls is always the best choice to enjoy them at their fullest potential.