Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicory (about 2 heads), outer ribs discarded and remainder cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Wash chicory. Cook in an 8-quart pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water), uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
2. Dry pot, then heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Cook garlic with red-pepper flakes, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute.
3. Add chicory, stirring to coat. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt.