Endive And Fennel Salad With Mint And Orange Blossom Dressing Recipes

ENDIVE AND FENNEL SALAD WITH MINT AND ORANGE-BLOSSOM DRESSING

Steps:

• Slice an inch off the stem of the endives and the outer leaves will fall away. Peel away the others until just the cores are left. Slice the cores into quarters. Rinse the leaves, then pat them dry and place in a large bowl.
• Cut the fennel bulbs in half and slice into semicircular slivers, right up to and including the fluffy green part. Add to the endives, along with the mint leaves.
• For the dressing, pound the garlic using a pestle and mortar until it starts to break down. Slowly add the olive oil and stir with the pestle, then add the lemon and lime juice. The ratio of lemon to oil is a personal preference, so experiment. Next, add the honey and orange-blossom water, and season. Toss into the salad just before serving.

FENNEL SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Measure the oils, vinegars, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, fennel and dried parsley into a glass jar.
• Cover, and shake to combine.
• Add salt and pepper (and fresh parsley if using) to taste.
• Serve over your favorite combination of greens and other salad ingredients such as chopped vegetables, meats, eggs, etc.
• Store the unused portion in the refrigerator.
• It should last at least one week (it is used quickly in our home).

FENNEL AND ENDIVE SALAD WITH ORANGE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Finely grate enough zest from orange to measure 2 teaspoons, then squeeze 1 tablespoon juice into a large bowl. Whisk in zest, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oil until combined well.
• Cut fennel bulbs lengthwise into very thin slices with slicer. Halve endives lengthwise, then halve crosswise and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Add endive and fennel to vinaigrette and toss to combine. Chill, covered, 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
• *Available at cookware shops and Uwajimaya (800-889-1928).