Puntarella is a type of chicory vegetable native to Italy, particularly popular in Roman cuisine. It consists of long, green, hollow shoots or stems that grow from the center of a dandelion-like plant. Puntarella has a crisp texture and a mildly bitter flavor, which becomes more pronounced when raw. The inner shoots are often shaved or thinly sliced and traditionally served in a salad with an anchovy, garlic, and olive oil dressing, which helps balance the bitterness. Puntarella can also be cooked by sautéing or grilling, which mellows its flavor and enhances its natural sweetness.
