Radicchio leaves are sturdy enough to stand up to blanching and filling, but use caution: they are still more delicate than, say, cabbage leaves. Their bitter flavor makes a nice contrast to this nutty ricotta filling.

Ingredients

  • 10 to 12 radicchio leaves
  • cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • 24 walnut halves (12 walnuts, shelled), chopped
  • 1 egg yolk
  • cup freshly grated Parmesan (1 1/2 ounces)
  • Salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

      318 calories; 28 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 12 grams polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 74 milligrams cholesterol; 188 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

Serves four

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil or butter a two-quart gratin or baking dish. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the radicchio leaves. Blanch for two minutes, then transfer to the ice water. Drain and dry on paper towels.
  2. Blend together the ricotta, the egg yolk, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Season with salt and pepper. Place a heaped tablespoon on a radicchio leaf, tuck the sides of the leaves in over the filling and roll up the leaf. Divide the mixture among the remaining radicchio leaves, and roll them up. Place in the baking dish, seam side down. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
  3. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and serve.
  • Advance preparation: You can make this through step 2 up to a day ahead and keep in the refrigerator. Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.

30 minutes

Dining and Cooking