Usually, I am not a big fan of radishes – they are bitter-spicy and taste a little like dirt. I’ve always wanted to enjoy them, mostly because my grandma loves them and I love my grandma; she will eat them raw, out of hand, like tiny apples.
So, I’m happy to say that I’ve found a way to enjoy these round red radishes – finally!
These radishes star in a salad I first tasted at an underground supper club called The Sunday Night Dinner, run by my friend Tamara. The whole meal was fabulous, but this salad stuck out in my memory as spectacular. It presented an amazing combination of flavors – earthy, sweet, bright, perfumed. It was made with minimal ingredients: oranges, radishes, mint, and orange flower water. The combination is simply amazing. And addictive. I had three servings that night.
As I was planning out my meals for the week, this salad came to mind, and I knew I had to make it. I searched the internet for it and came across a recipe from Saveur that resulted in this same salad I loved from that original dinner. The orange juice really ameliorates the spicy nature of the radishes without breaking their spirit, and the mint is another refreshing touch. The orange flower water perfumes it all beautifully.
This will be the primary way I eat radishes from now on, I expect.
Radish, Orange, and Mint Salad
adapted from a recipe by Saveur
1 to 2 bunches red radishes, about 1/2 lb., washed and trimmed
1 1/2 tbsp. unrefined sugar – rapadura or sucanat work well
1 tsp. orange flower water
1 1/2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
salt
1 seedless orange
4 sprigs fresh mint, chopped
Shred radishes or slice thinly and julienne. Place in a small bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Stir and set aside to macerate for 15 minutes. Drain off excess liquid, if any. Cover and refrigerate, about 20 minutes, until well chilled.
Whisk together orange flower water, lemon juice, and orange juice in a small bowl, and season to taste with salt. Pour dressing over radishes and lightly toss.
Peel and section orange. Add to radishes.
Chop the mint and add it, mixing everything together.
Serves 2-4.