Teresa's Recipes
Belgian Endive with Savory Herb Cream Cheese Filling
A delectable appetizer that brings together the mildly bitter Belgian endive with a sumptuously creamy and herb-infused cream cheese filling. This dish showcases the perfect blend of crispness from the endive and smoothness from the cheese, complemented by the bright, fresh flavors of parsley, chives, and dill. This recipe hails from Belgium, where endives are a staple vegetable, and has been a beloved hors d'oeuvre at European parties and gatherings for generations.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped Fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped Fresh dill
- 8 ounces, softened Cream cheese
- 2 heads Belgian endive
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Rinse the Belgian endive heads under cool water. Carefully separate the leaves, ensuring they retain their boat-like shape.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, and dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy herb-infused cream cheese.
- Spoon the herb cream cheese mixture into each endive leaf, filling it till about three-quarters full. Do not overfill as it might leak out while serving.
- Arrange the filled endive leaves artistically on a serving platter. They can be placed in a circular or straight line pattern.
- Serve this delightful appetizer immediately. It pairs well with a chilled glass of white wine.
Tips
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for added color and a hint of heat.
- Top the filled endive leaves with finely chopped nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
- For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.