So there I was. In Trader Joes. When suddenly I saw some Endives and thought, “gosh I’ve never in my life had an Endive. I should probably pick up 8 or so and experiment…”

I think it turned out ok. But it did take about 8 or so for me to get this where I wanted it! This is kind of like an elevated Wedge Salad. You know, the kind you get at a steak house; the big hunk of lettuce slathered in blue cheese dressing, topped with bacon and maybe a few tomatoes. Mmmmm.

This has no bacon, but the char of the Endive more than makes up for its absence.

Also, this recipe is for 2, because that’s all I had left after the experimenting, but feel free to double it, or add more endives etc. if you want more!

But first, let’s talk about this dressing

Creamy. Rich. And <blue> cheesy. The perfect accompaniment to this charred endive and apple relish

Endives are pretty bitter and crunchy, which I love, so I also eat this salad with raw endive. The char gives it a hint of sweetness, but still retains its crunchy-ness. Kind of like when you roast veggies. Ya feel me?

Ok. Here’s what you need.

Ingredients

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2c plain greek yogurt (I use Fage)

1tbsp olive or avocado oil

1-2 tbsp ghee

2 oz blue cheese or 3-4 tbsp blue cheese crumbles

1/2tsp Dijon mustard

Minced Chives to taste

1 Gala apple, diced

Directions

1. I would make the dressing first. Whisk the garlic and yogurt together. Add the olive oil, S&P and whisk again. Add your blue cheese and mustard and whisk again until the mixture is smooth. If you want to thin it out, just drizzle in milk a liiiiiittle bit at a time.
2. For the Endives: Heat a Cast Iron skillet, or any skillet over medium high heat. Add your ghee and let it melt.
3. Trim away the ends of the Endives and cut them lengthwise into halves or quarters. Place the endives cut sides down in the pan. Saute on each side for about 1-2 minutes until they get that nice crunchy charred crust on the outside. You want them kind of golden brown, but still firm in the middle. Alternatively you could brush the endives with olive oil and char them over the grill! I will just as soon as our grill is fixed…
4. Arrange your Endives how you’d like and spoon the dressing over it. Then top with your apples and chives!