I had to pull up images online for George to believe that these leaves were radicchio. He is used to seeing small purple cabbage-like plants.
Radicchio is in the chicory family, and is a bitter leaf, somewhat like sorrel. Both are going into my soup pot today with sambar spices, carrots, celery, and garbanzos. I'll add some chamomile and chickweed to soften and flavor the broth, which is blenderized into a smooth texture.
All our rain has caused new seeds to sprout - including the chickweed. It loves to nestle among old squash vines. Best used in the spring, I'm pulling it again to add delicate flavor to my soup.
