Radicchio is a colorful vegetable that not only adds an amazing taste to dishes but also brings them to life with its colorfulness and brightness. There is no doubt that radicchio can stand as an amazing ingredient in many recipes.
However, once in a while, you might need another incredible vegetable that will stand in for radicchio when it’s not available or when you feel like switching up things.
Almost all ingredients have their substitute. In our case, the best substitute to use would be the Belgian Endive. Although opinions may differ and a lot of people may suggest red cabbages, it’s however good to know that while red cabbages may slightly look like radicchio, they do not have a taste as strong as radicchio, nor do they have a strong Flavour and texture. The Belgian Endive, on the other hand, is another flavor-filled leaf/ veggie, plus it also experiences a reduction in flavor after being cooked.
An overview of Radicchio
Radicchio, also known as Italian chicory is a leafy vegetable that is red and white. It is often called Italian chicory because it is a popular ingredient in many Italian cuisines. Radicchio falls under the chicory leaf and it usually tastes spicy and slightly bitter, the taste can be moderated or adjusted if the leaves undergo any cooking procedure like roasting, grilling, or baking.
The vegetable is mostly eaten raw with a bit of salt and olive oil for dressing or added into salad bowls. You can also find roasted or grilled radicchio on some menus, whichever way it is prepared, it is still amazing.
Why replace radicchio
There are various reasons why you may want to replace radicchio, some of them are:
- The desire for a new taste: If you constantly do radicchio, it’s only normal that you may want to change veggies from time to time.
- The desire for a new look: Radicchio’s sharp red and white colors make recipes look lively no doubt, but sometimes you may want to achieve another look or try something all green or less bright.
- Unavailability or damages: Another valid reason for you to substitute your radicchio for something else is if it is unavailable in the supermarkets or grocery stores. Also, you might have some but they may have spoilt, in cases like this, substitutes will come in handy.
Alternatives for Radicchio Substitutes
Best overall substitute for radicchio: Belgian Endive
Belgian Endive and Radicchio have some features that align and this makes endives more suitable as replacements than any other ingredient.
It’s moderately bitter, and it’s grown underground to preserve the exquisite flavor and keep the color light. It may be diced and used in salads, and it can also be baked or broiled and eaten raw. This replacement has a developed flavor that pairs well with acidic and sweet ingredients. In terms of texture, it’s crisp and elegant. Furthermore, when cooked, the aromas will mellow and the texture will be softer, similar to radicchio.
Best color based substitute
Red cabbages are a great color-based substitute for radicchio. They are vibrant and bright in color and can add some liveliness to your dish just as radicchios do. Radicchio and red cabbage are sometimes mistaken for one another in the grocery shop, however, they are two different plants. Radicchio has a strong bitter flavor with leaves that are thinner while red cabbages have a milder flavor with leaves that are thicker and crunchier entirely purple. In many raw and cooked recipes, you can sometimes substitute one for the other, but the flavor and taste will be very different.
In conclusion, these are some amazing leaves that you can substitute for radicchio.
