Thursday, April 22, 2010

Radish


In Russian you call someone “rediska”, which means radish, when they’re naughty and misbehaving. At least that’s what my mother does. I never could understand why, but perhaps it’s because radishes are sharp and peppery. Anyway, being called a radish doesn’t hurt my feelings any because I happen to love radishes.

In other news, I’m excited to announce that my first cookbook Seared to Perfection: The Simple Art of Sealing in Flavor is now available for preorder on Amazon! Hooray! It comes out in October, and I cannot wait to hold a copy in my hands.


Radish & Cucumber Salad
Printable Recipe

12 ounces radishes, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
2/3 English cucumber, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, and thinly sliced
2/3 cup sliced green onions
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill, optional
½ cup sour cream
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Toss together the radishes, cucumber, green onions, dill, if desired, and sour cream in a large bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Serves 4 as a side dish. I grew up eating this cool and refreshing salad, and as far as I can tell, it’s a Russian classic. My mother makes it with Kirby cucumbers, but I usually use English cucumbers because they’re much easier to find. And Mom never used the dill, though it is a common addition. I can’t remember what Mom served this with, and she’s being a radish and not answering her phone right now so I can’t ask, but I think it’s great on the side with roast chicken. One large bunch of radishes is usually enough to make the recipe.

UPDATE: This post has been selected as a winner of Beet ‘n Squash YOU! Battle Radish.

9 comments:

Chef Dennis Littley said...

what a perfect combination....I love this salad it will go great on my salad bar!!

Sophia said...

Wow, this is a really cool recipe. Haven't ever seen something like this before. Two thumbs up for creativity!!

~Sophia
www.chewonthatblog.com

Crepes of Wrath said...

This look so tasty and refreshing!

Robin said...

That photo of your salad in that pink and green bowl is so pretty, it really caught my eye. Plus what a great sounding salad.
Robin Sue

Jessica said...

What a lovely recipe for using radishes. I've never been able to stomach either these or beets raw, but that was when I was younger. Perhaps another try!

Congrats on your book, by the way!

jessyburke88@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

It's a typical russian summer salad. To call somebody "rediska" is very funny, it's from famous russian movie "Gentlemen of Luck".

Irina said...

It is your father who is rediska. He does not like this salad, so I do not get to eat it as often as I like.

The photo is absolutely beatiful.
-Mom

The White Family said...

Love that photo but I am also very attracted to the colors pink and green. Beautiful photo! Even though I don't like beets that much, I am willing to give this a try because it looks soooo good!

Heather @Z is for zest
www.zisforzest.com

Robin said...

My Grandma used to make this for me. I think she called it "Jewish Chopped Suey". My roots do go back to Russia.

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