puntarelle

‘Cichorium intybus L.Puntarelle or chicory sprouts, which come from a special variety called cicoria catalogna (Catalonia or 'asparagus chicory) are a popular bitter green of Lazio and Puglia, especially in the winter.

They are usually served as a salad, with their curly stems in an anchovy, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar and olive oil dressing, but they're also good sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chilli. You can buy them preserved in jars.

Also known as catalogna or cicoria asparago or ‘scattuni.