Radish & Strawberry Salad

This radish & strawberry salad certainly strays from the traditional dishes of Le Marche however is a perfect example of the philosophy "if it grows together, it goes together." The crunchy peppery radishes compliment the sweet juicy strawberries, add a bit of young spring onion (and if we were in the States, cilantro!) for a surprising and delicious spring salad. The recipe is inspired by our friends from Perennial Plate!

Radish & Strawberry Salad
equal parts of radish & strawberries, sliced as thin as possible (you can do this with a mandoline or knife)
a pinch of spring onions, sliced thinly
salt & crack of pepper to taste
olive oil
the best balsamic you’ve got: aceto balsamic tradizionale di modena

In a bowl combine radishes, strawberry & onion. Season with salt & pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil. Very gently (with your hands) toss the salad to incorporate all the ingredients.
To serve: plate and drizzle a few drops of balsamic over the top, serve immediately.

Note: Anything from spring will work in this dish, fresh fava beans or peas, chive, etc - if it grows together it goes together.

Carpaccio of Zucchini

 
Carpaccio of Zucchini
Fine Fine Zucchini

zucchini
salt
pepper
olive oil
lemon
parmesan

handful of cherry tomatoes, radishes, zucchini flowers, arugula (optional)

Use mandolin or slicer, slice zucchini very very thinly - paper thin.

Lay out one layer on a plate or platter.

Crack of pepper, crack of salt, drizzle olive oil, squeeze of lemon. Let sit for 15 minutes.

 

If you have cherry tomatoes and/or radishes toss a small handful ontop as well as zucchini flowers, arugula or celery hearts, etc to give it a little extra bite & color. Finish with shaved parmesan over the top. Serve

Fresh Radishes with Olive Oil + Wedge of Pecorino

 

The crisp, peppery flavor of fresh picked radishes pair perfectly with a wedge of creamy pecorino (sheep's milk) cheese and a dish of extra virgin olive oil with a few cracks of salt. Done. This is my kinda snack (or antipasto),  I could crunch on that all night with a few glasses of sparkling Verdicchio DOC to wash it down...

So, what's so great about radishes anyway? 

Radishes are an edible root that are easy to grow & are ready to eat within about a month of planting.  Radishes are a low calorie vegetable that have no fat or cholesterol. Considering how small they are, radishes have quite a high vitamin count (in particular vitamin C) and packed with fiber. They are also known to help fight colon cancer. Despite having positive benefits on health, many people pass radishes over at the market without second thought - perhaps next time you'll pick up a bundle & enjoy! (Here's a quick & easy recipe: Radish, Cucumber & Chive Salad)

fresh picked from our garden

Simple Summer Salad: Radish, Cucumber & Chive

 Radish & cucumber salad a is simple 5-minute summer salad! Fresh from the garden, our radishes are crisp & peppery, perfectly complimenting the cool cucumbers. We added a little chive because they were ready to be picked, with a drizzle of olive oil, salt & pepper -you're ready to eat!

Radish, Cucumber & Chive Salad Recipe

radishes, thinly sliced

cucumbers, thinly sliced

chopped chive

drizzle of olive oil

red wine vinegar

salt & pepper

Toss all ingredients together & serve!