Braised chicory with ham
Braised chicory with ham is a classic Belgian dish featuring bitter Belgian endive slowly cooked until tender, typically wrapped in or served with slices of cured ham. The chicory is often braised in a mixture of butter, broth, and sometimes a touch of sugar or vinegar to mellow its natural bitterness, creating a rich, savory side dish or light main course. It's a staple in Belgian and Northern French home cooking, especially popular during the winter months.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderate in protein and fat, primarily from the ham and cooking butter, while being low in carbohydrates. It provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and folate from the chicory, with a rough calorie estimate of 200-250 kcal per typical serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Vitamin K | 250 mcg |
| Folate (B9) | 120 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Phosphorus | 140 mg |
Per 1 cup braised chicory with ham (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Chicory's bitterness is a prized characteristic in Belgian cuisine, believed to aid digestion, and the slow braising technique transforms it into a melt-in-the-mouth delicacy. Nutritionally, chicory root is a well-known prebiotic fiber source, supporting gut health.
