One of the toughest parts of eating almost exclusively locally in Upstate, NY, is the lack of bright, refreshing, crunchy, raw foods and salads in the colder months. We are overflowing in hearty carrot and squash soups, but there are definitely days I would kill for the snap of a thick slice of fresh cucumber.
This week, particularly with the few amazing days of spring-promised sunshine we’ve had, I was already dreaming of getting started on my gardens, and craving some food of much warmer months. I did, however, gather at the farmer’s market a collection of ingredients that came together for a great salad. When tested on my husband, the review was– “Refreshing!”. Perfect.
PEA SHOOT, CELERIAC, APPLE AND HAZELNUT SALAD
by Catie
Serves 4
2 large tart green apples (I used Mutzu apples from Migliorelli Farm)
1 medium celeriac (from Muddy River Farm in Goshen, NY)
Medium handful of pea shoots, about 1 oz (from Two Guys from Woodbridge hydroponic farm, in Hamden, CT)
1/4 cup toasted and chopped hazelnuts
for the dressing:
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 TBS hazelnut oil
salt and pepper to taste.
Cut the rough exterior off the celeriac, and cut the inner white part into thin matchsticks. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Have ready a bowl of ice water. When water is boiling, put in cut celeriac and blanch until al dente, about 30 seconds, depending on the size of the pieces. Immediately scoop out with slotted spoon and shock in ice water. Drain and dry.
Cut apples in small cubes. Wash and dry pea shoots.
Put cider vinegar in large bowl. Slowly add hazelnut oil in thin stream while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper.
Add celeriac, apple, pea shoots, and hazelnuts to bowl. Toss with vinaigrette.
Gently mound salad on a plate. Sprinkle top with a few more nuts.
Those two guys may be from Woodbridge but I got married in Woodbridge.
Amazing. I am so going to make this. And link to it on my blog!
your pictures are really awesome