Radicchio (and other Bitter Leaves): Prep

Wash the leaves well before use: tip them into a big bowl of cold water, swill around a couple of times then leave to sit a moment while any dirt sinks to the bottom of the bowl. Lift the leaves out with your hands and dry them in a salad spinner, or gather them in a clean tea towel and shake this around to drive off the excess water. Washed and dried leaves will store in the fridge for a day or two: ideally layer them with kitchen paper and seal in a plastic box.