Griddled chicory with figs & bitter leaves

 

Ingredients

• 2 heads chicory, white or red, halved
• juice 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 fresh figs, halved
• 2 handfuls mizuna or rocket, or a mix of the two
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 25g parmesan, finely shaved
•  
  Prep: 15 mins Cook: 5 mins
  Easy
  Serves 2 
   

  Method

  1. Toss the chicory in the lemon juice until completely coated. Heat a griddle until very hot, then griddle the chicory, cut-side down first, turning them halfway through to get nice criss-cross lines. Flip over and griddle briefly on the rounded side. Tip straight into a bowl and toss with 1 tbsp of the olive oil.
  2. To serve, balance the chicory on top of each other, then place 2 fig halves next to it. Dress the other leaves in the balsamic vinegar and remaining olive oil, then scatter around the plate with the Parmesan and serve.