Caramelized Endives With Crème Fraîche Recipes

CARAMELIZED ENDIVES WITH CRèME FRAîCHE

Steps:

• Remove and discard a layer of exterior leaves from each endive so that only smooth and unblemished leaves are showing. Trim 1/4 inch from the bottoms and discard. Halve each endive lengthwise, keeping the leaves connected at the base.
• Heat the broiler to high. Set a large wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and swirl to coat. When butter begins to sizzle, arrange endive halves in one layer, cut side down. Season with salt and pepper and let cook for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Adjust the heat so that the endives cook slowly and do not scorch. Turn endives over, sprinkle with salt, and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together crème fraîche, mustard and lemon juice. When endives are cooked on both sides, smear the cut surfaces liberally with this mixture.
• Place skillet under broiler, about 3 inches away from heat source. Broil for about 5 minutes, until well browned, crisped and bubbling.
• In a small bowl, combine tarragon, chives and parsley.
• Transfer endives to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle with any remaining juices in pan. Sprinkle herbs on top and serve immediately.

CARAMELIZED ENDIVES AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Trim 2 leeks, leaving enough of the core to hold them together; halve lengthwise and rinse well. Halve 4 endives. Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil with 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt and pepper; toss with the leeks and endives. Place the vegetables on a sheet of foil; drizzle with any extra dressing. Fold up the packet and grill over medium-high heat until the endives are slightly golden and the leeks are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Top with crumbled blue cheese.

CARAMELIZED-ONION FLATBREADS WITH CRèME FRAîCHE

Steps:

• For bread dough:
• Whisk 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water and yeast in small bowl; let stand until yeast is dissolved, about 10 minutes.
• Mix flour, nigella seeds, and salt in medium bowl. Add yeast mixture and stir with wooden spoon until mixture clumps together. Add butter; mix until incorporated. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces; roll each into ball. Place on baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep covered and refrigerate.)
• For caramelized onions:
• Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion wedges to skillet and cook without turning until beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Carefully turn onions over; reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until onions are tender and brown, occasionally stirring gently, about 10 minutes. Add thyme and honey; cook 1 minute. Stir in vinegar. Seasonto taste with salt and pepper. Remove skillet from heat. Cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled, about 1 hour. Whisk crème fraîche and egg in small bowl to blend. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Sprinkle 2 rimmed baking sheets lightly with semolina flour. Roll out each dough ball to 5-inch round. Transfer 3 rounds to each prepared baking sheet. Let rest 10 minutes. Pierce dough rounds all over with fork. Spread 1 generous tablespoon crème fraîche mixture over each dough round, leaving 1/4-inch plain border. Arrange onions evenly atop each; drizzle lightly with crème fraîche mixture (mixture may spill over edges of dough).
• Bake flatbreads until crusts are puffed and golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer to plates; sprinkle with chives.
• *Available at some supermarkets, and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets.