Italian · dinner
25m
Total time
4
Servings
210
kcal
easy
Difficulty
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FAQ · Things people ask
Yes, but expect a more uniformly bitter result. Round radicchio lacks tardivo's sweeter inner ribs. Treviso precoce — the early-season elongated variety — is the closest substitute and easier to find outside Italy.
A balsamic reduction or a quality IGP balsamic from Modena or Reggio Emilia both work. Avoid thin, sharp balsamic — you need sweetness and body to balance the char.
Yes. Skip the pancetta and drizzle an extra tablespoon of olive oil over the finished radicchio. Toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmigiano add the richness and texture you lose without the cured pork.
Specialty Italian grocers or well-stocked farmers markets carry it from November through February. It travels well and is increasingly available in the US and UK during its short winter season.
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