Endive Boats with Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese
Endive spears filled with a mixture of roasted red bell peppers and tangy goat cheese make for an elegant and flavorful appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. Each spear is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and they're easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time. Serve on a platter or as part of a cheese board.
Legend has it that endive spears were first cultivated in Belgium in the 18th century. The story goes that a farmer named Franciscus Van der Groen was experimenting with different ways to grow chicory, and one day he noticed that some of his plants had developed long, slender leaves. He decided to try eating these leaves, and found that they had a slightly bitter but refreshing taste. Van der Groen's neighbors soon began growing endive spears as well, and the vegetable quickly became a popular delicacy. Today, endive spears are grown all over the world and are used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to stews.
Endive Boats with Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Endive Boats with Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Endive Boats with Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Endive Boats with Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 12 endive spears
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
  • 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. Separate the endive spears and rinse them thoroughly.
  2. Pat the endive spears dry with paper towels.
  3. Fill each endive spear with a spoonful of the roasted red pepper mixture.
  4. Top with goat cheese, parsley, and chives.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with fresh lemon juice if desired.
Why It Works
  • The combination of sweet roasted red peppers and tangy goat cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors.
  • The endive spears provide a crisp and refreshing base for the filling.
  • The parsley and chives add a touch of brightness and freshness to the dish.
  • The lemon juice (if desired) adds a pop of acidity that brightens up the flavors.