Let's Dish: Belgian Endives

Belgian Endive is one of those less common ingredients. While it's great in things such as salads, it's also delicious grilled, especially when it's wrapped in ham and cheese. Chris Koetke, host of the Live Well Network show Let's Dish, uses endives and wraps them in ham and cheese for a great and tasty appetizer.

Recipe for Belgian Endives

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes marinating time)

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6-10 as an hors d'oeuvres

Ingredients:

3 Belgian endives, ends trimmed and cut in half lengthwise

2 1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 Tablespoons finely chopped chives

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 oz. ham slices (about 6 large slices)

4 oz. Swiss cheese slices

Method:

1. In an 8 x 8 baking dish, mix together the olive oil, chives, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Coat the endives with this mixture and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.

2. Grill the endives on high heat, allowing each side to brown before turning. When they are properly cooked, they should still be al dente in the center (about 4 minutes total depending on the heat of the grill.)

3. Meanwhile, on a cutting board, lay out the 6 slices of ham. Top them with the Swiss cheese. Place a hot endive half on each and roll up tightly.

4. Place the ham/endive rolls back on the grill, seam side down. Grill just to lightly brown the ham.

5. Remove from the grill and cut each endive in 3-4 pieces. Skewer each with a toothpick and serve.