Escarole is a leafy, green vegetable from the chicory family. It has a lettuce-like appearance and is used in many recipes as a healthy and delicious ingredient. But, it’s difficult to access sometimes.
9 Best Escarole Substitutes
1. Arugula
This peppery Italian vegetable has a lemony citrus fragrance and appears in many cuisines around the globe. Arugula is a perfect substitute for escarole in pasta, salads, and tomato sauces. You can buy arugula in most grocery stores. When substituting, use arugula in an equal proportion to escarole. You can enjoy arugula with fresh ingredients such as capers, cheese, and tomatoes.
2. Spinach
Spinach is the most adaptable of all the options. It has a distinct bitter taste, but it’s versatile, so you can use it in almost any dish that calls for escarole. Spinach is a vegetable you can cook with or serve as a side dish. It is also a great addition to any salad. Soups, stews, and casseroles all benefit from the addition of spinach. And butter, cottage cheese, eggs, and fish pair well with spinach. Additionally, spinach is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin K, B6, and potassium.
3. Radicchios
Radicchios have distinctive burgundy leaves with white ribs. Like escarole, radicchios have a faint bitterness that goes well with salad, pasta, or pizza. If you decide to substitute radicchios, use them in equal amounts called for escarole in the recipe. Take note though that it will affect the color of your dish. This vegetable works well in many dishes but try it first because it might taste extra bitter for some people.
4. Chard
Chard cooks down to a wonderful texture, making it a decent replacement for escarole. It has a much earthier and sweeter flavor than escarole. Also, compared to escarole, chards have relatively bigger leaves and a red stalk. So, the leaves need longer to cook.
5. Kale
Kale is similar to escarole in cooking, but the leaves are larger and a little tougher. There are many varieties of kale, but curly kale is the perfect replacement for escarole. These leafy greens’ health benefits are widely recognized, so you will not have difficulty finding them in your local markets.
6. Frisée
Frisée is also referred to as curly endive because it has frizzy and narrow leaves. This ingredient is crispy and bitter. This option is a healthy and delicious alternative to escarole. Frisée can be cooked or used in salads, but it will take time and the texture will not soften. Since it’s mild, you may want to apply more seasoning to make it taste more like escarole. For salads or as a garnish, you can use a 1:1 ratio of frisée to escarole. But if you’re cooking it, use an extra amount. It is recommended to taste your dish first to see how the texture and mildness complement the other ingredients.
7. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens have a slight peppery note and make an excellent replacement for escarole, especially when you want a pungent flavor. The easiest ways to prepare these leaves are to fry, sauté, or boil them. You can eat mustard greens raw, put them into soups, or sautée them with oil and herbs. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also have low-calorie content.
8. Romaine Lettuce
The long, dark green leaves and crisp texture of Romaine lettuce make it ideal for salads. You can also grill or saute it. Romaine lettuce is a simple way to improve the nutrient value of any meal. Moreover, since it is available year-round, this alternative is a convenient escarole substitute.
9. Beet Greens
Beet greens will undoubtedly serve well in your dish. They have a flavor similar to escarole. They are also well-known for their incredible nutritional value. This Swiss chard relative is also known for its edible leaves, which have a close flavor and texture profile.
The Bottom Line
As escarole may not be a regular ingredient in your kitchen, you should know possible escarole substitutes when your recipe calls for it. The options presented in this article are excellent alternatives because they have comparable flavors and textures to escarole. Make sure you know what kind of cooking method or technique you will use when you choose your substitute. Nevertheless, all of them will be delicious and provide you with essential nutrients.
