Puntarelle, has a bitter, green, vegetal flavor that's great for both raw and cooked dishes. In Italy, Puntarelle is often served as a salad called Puntarelle Alla Romana, where the shoots are sliced, soaked in ice water, and tossed in a flavorful dressing. The dressing, typically made with anchovies, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, softens the bitterness and adds a bright, savory taste.
Beyond the salad, grill or sear the shoots until the bitterness sweetens, and saute the spiky outer leaves with garlic and chili the way Romans cook their greens. It is at its peak in the cold months, a true winter salad vegetable.

