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?
* approximate values per serving
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.
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Wrap each piece of radicchio with a slice of bacon or pancetta
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Arrange the radicchio segments in an oven tray lined with baking parchment
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Add a dash of masala to the radicchio
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Dress the radicchio segments with some olive oil
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This very tasty, traditional side dish from the Veneto; serve with polenta and grilled meat
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.