Oven Roasted Radicchio Wedges

Oven Roasted Radicchio is a simple and tasty side dish, ideal to accompany meat or fish main courses, but also fresh and creamy cheeses to complete with a few slices of warm and freshly toasted bread. An easy and economical recipe, excellent for any family lunch or dinner with friends.

For our preparation we used the radicchio from Chioggia, a winter vegetable which is characterized by its rounded head, crunchy consistency and sweet but slightly bitter flavor. Here it is cut into wedges, arranged in a baking dish, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan, salt and pepper, then baked in the oven until it is golden brown on the surface.

The result is a tasty and very appetizing dish, which can also be enriched with a drop of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of honey, which goes well with the bitter aftertaste of radicchio.

What is Oven Roasted Radicchio?

Radicchio is a type of leafy chicory characterized by its vibrant red or purple leaves with striking white veins. Native to Italy, radicchio boasts a slightly bitter and peppery flavor that mellows and sweetens when cooked. It belongs to the Cichorium intybus species and comes in several varieties, with Treviso, Verona, and Chioggia being the most popular. Often mistaken for red cabbage due to its appearance, radicchio stands out with its distinctive taste and versatility in culinary applications.

Oven-roasting transforms this bold vegetable into a tender, slightly caramelized side dish. Roasting amplifies its natural sweetness while tempering its bitterness, creating a balanced and flavorful accompaniment. The result is a rich, savory dish with complex flavors perfect for pairing with roasted meats, seafood, or other vegetables.

Radicchio has been a staple in Italian cuisine since the 15th century, initially cultivated in the Veneto region. Traditionally enjoyed raw in salads, its transformation into a cooked side dish became popular as chefs sought to explore its versatility. Roasting radicchio gained prominence for its ability to bring out the vegetable's sweetness, making it an elegant complement to rich Italian dishes like risotto, polenta, or grilled proteins.

Tips for The Best Oven Roasted Radicchio

• Opt for firm, fresh heads of radicchio, such as the round Chioggia or the elongated Treviso, as they hold up well during roasting and offer balanced bitterness.
• Slice the radicchio into uniform wedges to promote even cooking. Ensure the core remains intact to keep the leaves together during roasting.

How Do I Take Away Radicchio's Bitterness?

To reduce radicchio's bitterness in the recipe, soak the wedges in cold water with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for about 30 minutes before roasting.

This process helps mellow the bitter compounds. After soaking, pat the radicchio dry to ensure proper caramelization during cooking. Additionally, roasting at high heat naturally tempers the bitterness by bringing out its sweetness. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey after roasting can further balance the flavors.

What Else Can I Add to This Radicchio?

You can enrich this side dish by adding other ingredients: flaked almonds, walnut kernels and breadcrumbs, to obtain a nice gratin, or even diced provola, scamorza or asiago, for an irresistible stringy effect.

What Can I Serve Oven Roasted Radicchio With?

Its slightly sweet, smoky, and bitter notes complement roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, and it also balances the richness of grilled fish or seafood. For vegetarian meals, serve it alongside creamy risottos, pasta dishes, or polenta. It’s also a great addition to cheese platters or served on toasted bread with ricotta for a light appetizer.

Can Oven Roasted Radicchio be Frozen?

Yes, roasted radicchio can be frozen, but its texture may change upon thawing, becoming softer and less crisp. To freeze, allow the roasted radicchio to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to restore some of its flavor and texture.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Oven Roasted Radicchio can be stored for 2 days in the refrigerator, closed in an airtight container.

How to Make Oven Roasted Radicchio

Cut the radicchio into several wedges. To tone down the bitter aftertaste, you can soak it in water seasoned with vinegar or lemon juice, for half an hour.

Wash it well, and then drain it.

Place it on a tea towel to remove excess water.

Place the radicchio on a baking tray lined with a sheet of parchment paper.

Place it so that it does not overlap.

Season with a generous drizzle of oil.

Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Season with a pinch of salt.

Then add a pinch of pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F/180°C for about 15 minutes.

Remove the radicchio from the oven when it is still not golden on the surface.

Enjoy!