Chicory Boats: Three Delicious & Healthy Finger Food Appetizer Recipes
Crunchy chicory boats offer a delightful and versatile canvas for various fillings. Explore three distinct recipes: a succulent surimi crab salad, a smooth and savory egg mousse, and vibrant shrimp flavored in a zesty vinaigrette. These make for exceptional appetizers and healthy finger foods – a must-try for your next gathering!
Are you searching for an elegant yet easy appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests? Look no further! We have not one, but three fantastic recipes for crunchy chicory boats, each boasting a unique and delicious filling. These aren’t just incredibly tasty; their vibrant presentation also makes them a super-festive addition to any spread. Chicory snacks are rapidly gaining popularity, and for good reason! By utilizing the crisp chicory leaves as natural, edible “bowls” for your fillings, you create the perfect finger food – no mess, just pure enjoyment.
Why Chicory is Your Go-To Appetizer Base
Chicory, also known as endive, is an unsung hero in the world of appetizers. Its firm, scoop-shaped leaves provide an ideal vessel for various fillings, making it a naturally low-carb and gluten-free option. Beyond its practical shape, chicory offers a wonderfully crisp texture and a distinct, slightly bitter note that beautifully complements a wide array of flavors, from sweet to savory. This inherent bitterness acts as a perfect counterpoint, cutting through rich fillings and adding a refreshing dimension to each bite. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making these chicory boat appetizers not only delicious but also a healthier choice for snacking.
Discover Our Trio of Irresistible Chicory Boat Fillings
Each of our three chicory boat recipes offers a unique flavor profile, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of classic comfort, or looking for something with a spicy kick, these recipes deliver a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
1. Zesty Surimi Crab Salad Chicory Boats
Our first delightful option features a vibrant surimi crab salad. This filling is a true party in your mouth, marrying the subtle sweetness of surimi with the refreshing crunch of cucumber and the invigorating kick of a spicy dressing. The contrasting textures create an exciting sensory experience, while the dressing ties all the flavors together, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Surimi, a delicious and economical alternative to traditional crab meat, ensures this appetizer is both accessible and a crowd-pleaser. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cress or a dash of paprika for an extra touch of color and flavor. These surimi crab chicory boats are perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as an elegant starter.
2. Creamy Egg Mousse Chicory Boats
Next up, we have a wonderfully smooth and slightly sweet egg mousse. The combination of egg and chicory has been a cherished pairing in many families for generations, and for good reason. The rich, creamy texture of the egg mousse provides a comforting contrast to the crispness of the chicory leaf. Enhanced with a hint of sweetness and savory seasonings, this mousse transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated bite. It’s a testament to how classic flavors can be elevated to create something truly special. These egg mousse chicory bowls offer a delicate yet fulfilling taste, ideal for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a light appetizer before a main course.
3. Spicy Shrimp Vinaigrette Chicory Boats
Finally, we present chicory leaves generously filled with succulent shrimp, marinated in a flavorful and slightly sweet, spicy vinaigrette. This option is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate fresh seafood with a kick. The vinaigrette infuses the shrimp with a tantalizing blend of spices and tang, creating a bright and invigorating flavor. Each plump shrimp, nestled in its crunchy chicory boat, delivers a burst of taste that is both refreshing and satisfying. The marinade not only flavors the shrimp but also adds a lovely sheen, making these shrimp chicory boats visually appealing. They are an excellent choice for a sophisticated dinner party or any event where you want to offer a lighter, yet incredibly flavorful, seafood appetizer.
Of course, you don’t have to prepare all three varieties. Feel free to choose one or two that best suit your taste or occasion. No matter which you select, you are guaranteed to love these easy-to-make, delicious, and beautifully presented chicory boat appetizers.
Expert Tips for Preparing Perfect Chicory Boats
To ensure your chicory boats are as fresh, crisp, and flavorful as possible, follow these handy tips, especially if you plan to prepare them in advance. Advanced preparation is key to stress-free entertaining!
- Preparing Fillings in Advance: All three fillings (surimi crab salad, egg mousse, and shrimp vinaigrette) can be prepared a few hours before serving. After mixing, transfer the filling to an airtight container, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you precious time just before your event.
- Preparing Chicory Leaves for Crispness: The chicory leaves themselves can also be prepared ahead of time to maintain their pristine condition. Carefully tear each individual leaf off the stalk. Trim off any discolored or unsightly parts from the base. Wash the leaves gently under cold water and then dry them thoroughly. You can pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or let them air-dry on a rack or paper towels. To keep them crisp and fresh for up to four hours, place the dried leaves in a plastic bag along with a slightly damp piece of kitchen paper. Seal the bag, ensuring the leaves are not crushed, and store it in the refrigerator. This method helps prevent wilting and keeps them perfectly ready for filling.
- Assembly Timing: For the best texture, we recommend assembling the chicory boats no more than an hour before serving. This prevents the chicory from becoming soggy and ensures the optimal crisp-to-filling ratio.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange your chicory boats artfully on a platter. Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives, or a wedge of lemon or lime as a garnish to add visual appeal and a burst of extra freshness.
- Creative Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Chicory boats are incredibly versatile. Consider other fillings like a light tuna salad, a creamy goat cheese spread with walnuts, or even a simple hummus with roasted red peppers.
Recipe: Chicory Boats – 3 Delicious Ways
Here you’ll find the detailed recipes for each of these fantastic chicory boat appetizers. Enjoy creating these healthy, vibrant, and incredibly tasty finger foods!
Did you make these chicory boats 3 delicious ways? We’d love to see your creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram or Twitter. It always brings a smile to my face when you try one of my recipes, and I eagerly look forward to seeing your delightful results. You can also share your culinary masterpieces on my Facebook channel or pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can easily find it for your next event. Happy cooking, and see you soon!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
45 minutes
45 minutes
Appetizers and Snacks
Other
36
appetizers
44
kcal
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Ingredients
Chicory with surimi crab salad
-
10
ml
water -
10
ml
lemon juice -
1
tablespoon
sugar -
½
red chili pepper,
without seeds, chopped in small pieces -
150
grams
fake surimi crab ,
cut into small pieces -
¼
cucumber ,
deseeded and finely chopped -
cress,
garnish optional -
2
chicory
Chicory boats with egg salad
-
3
eggs ,
hard boiled -
2
tablespoons
mayonnaise -
pinch
paprika powder -
3
tablespoons
yogurt -
â…›
teaspoon
garlic powder -
1
teaspoon
chives ,
finely chopped -
2
chicory
Chicory boats with shrimps
-
½
teaspoon
harissa -
1
shallot,
finely chopped -
3
tablespoons
olive oil -
2
tablespoons
sherry vinegar -
100
grams
shrimps -
2
chicory
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Chicory boats with surimi crab
-
Put the water, lemon juice, sugar and peppers in a saucepan and heat it while stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Then turn the fire off and allow to cool to room temperature. -
In a second bowl, mix the surimi and cucumber with the sauce. -
Put 12 leaves of chicory before you and scoop some surimi crab salad on it. -
Optional: Garnish with some cresh
Chicory boats with egg salad
-
Peel the eggs and mash them with a fork. -
Mix the eggs with mayonnaise and paprika powder. -
In a second bowl, mix the yogurt with the garlic powder and the chives. -
Put the 12 leaves of chicory in front of you and spoon a teaspoon of egg mousse on top followed by a teaspoon of yogurt dressing.
Chicory boats with shrimp
-
Mix in a bowl of harissa, shalot, olive oil, vinegar and shrimp. -
Put the 12 leaves of chicory before you and divide the shrimp over the chicory.
Nutrition
Calories:
44
kcal
Carbohydrates:
4
g
Protein:
2
g
Fat:
2
g
Saturated Fat:
1
g
Cholesterol:
22
mg
Sodium:
74
mg
Fiber:
2
g
Sugar:
1
g
Vitamin A:
1700
IU
Vitamin C:
7
mg
Iron:
1
mg
a delicious snack, a healthy snack, a party snack
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