Author Notes
I like a salad that's a little bruising. I want some crunch, some bitterness, and plenty of clear acidity. Bonus points for pungent flavor. Italian puntarelle with anchovy dressing is my all-time favorite. Do you wish to join me in my feisty salad camp? If so, I have a radish number that will please you deeply and keep vampires away. Or at least a few friends. For this salad you want peppery (but not fiery) radishes. Cut them into thin wedges. Make a sauce with anchovy, garlic, lemon, and capers. And dress the radishes shortly before serving, otherwise the radishes begin to weep and the anchovy sauce loses its mojo. - Amanda —Amanda Hesser
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Ingredients
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1 large bunches
radishes
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1
anchovy fillet
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1
small garlic clove, peeled
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Salt
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1/2 tablespoon
lemon juice
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1 tablespoon
olive oil
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1 teaspoon
coarsely chopped capers
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1/2 tablespoon
chopped flatleaf parsley
Directions
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Trim tops and tails from the radishes. Scrub them well. Slice each radish into 4 wedges (if small) or 6 wedges (if large).
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With a mortar and pestle (or in a mini food processor), mash the anchovy, garlic, and a pinch of salt to a paste. Mix in the lemon juice, then slowly blend in the oil, adding it in a thread-thin stream as you mix. Fold in the capers.
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Add the sauce and parsley to the radishes and fold until well blended. Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste. Serve within 30 minutes.
Before starting Food52 with Merrill, I was a food writer and editor at the New York Times. I've written several books, including "Cooking for Mr. Latte" and "The Essential New York Times Cookbook." I played myself in "Julie & Julia" -- hope you didn't blink, or you may have missed the scene! I live in Brooklyn with my husband, Tad, and twins, Walker and Addison.
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