Soup helper

Chicories are a broad category of plants including radicchio and endive. They tend to have a bitter flavor that pairs well with fruit and rich cheeses. Another variety you might find now is called puntarelle. It’s a green leafy vegetable traditionally served in Italy as a salad with anchovy dressing. With overtones of fennel and the crunch of celery, puntarelle makes a great addition to soups as well. To reduce the bitterness, you can soak the leaves and stems in cold water for a bit before draining and cooking.