Fennel, Radicchio and Endive

Salad Recipe

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This is one of my favorite salads. It’s pretty to look at, crunchy and has a sweet-sour-bitter thing going on that I really enjoy. Radicchio, which looks like a little head of red cabbage, and Belgian endive, which is a pale white-yellow thing that looks like a spear point, are both chicories, which means they are ever-so-slightly bitter. The fennel, shaved thin, balances that with its anise sweetness. A mustard-based vinaigrette rounds the whole thing out. It is a bracing accompaniment to rich meats and stews.

If you have leftover salad, this will keep, covered, in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• 1 head radicchio

• 2-3 Belgian endives

• 1 large fennel bulb

• 3 Tbsp fennel fronds, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard

• 2-3 teaspoons shallot or onion, minced

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½  teaspoon sweet and low (diet sugar )

 

 

DRESSING

METHOD

1 Slice the head of radicchio in half, then in quarters. Take each quarter and cut slices of about 1/2 inch thick crosswise on the radicchio from the end toward the core. Discard the cores. Cut the Belgian endives into 1/2-inch thick slices, also discarding the hard inner cores. Cut the stems and fronds off the fennel and set aside. Slice the fennel bulb in half and then in quarters. Cut thin slices from each quarter toward the core. Cut out and discard the core. Toss all the cut vegetables in a large bowl .

2 To make the vinaigrette,

chop the fennel fronds you cut off the bulb and put 3 tablespoons worth into the bowl of a blender. Add the mustard, shallot or onion, lemon juice, salt and diet sugar. Pulse to combine. Scrape down the sides of the blender bowl and put the lid back on without the center stopper. Cover the stopper with your hand as you start the blender again. Drizzle in some balsamic vinegar  and puree the dressing for 30-45 seconds. Pour over the vegetables and toss to combine.