| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 232 | 16.4g | 2.1g | 18.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3.8g | 4.2g | 4.1g | 0.1g |
I have had a long-standing love affair with vegetables, and so, I’d like to talk to you about one of my favorites, my Pan-Fried Salsify with Garlic and Almonds. Now you may have dismissed salsify as just another root vegetable, but when pan-fried and paired with garlic and the crunch of almonds, it becomes something truly special.
A Love Affair with Salsify
If you’re unfamiliar with this versatile vegetable, salsify is a root known for its crisp texture and subtle flavor that’s akin to oysters. Once fried, its uniqueness really shines, creating a taste spectacle that’s truly hard to resist. I first stumbled upon salsify in the bustling farmers markets of California, my childhood home, and it was love at first sight. My Pan-fried Salsify with Garlic and Almonds is a culinary bridge from that West Coast vegetable bounty to a classic comforting dish that both soothes and satisfies.
Packed with Nutritional Benefits
And it’s not just the taste that makes this dish a winner. One of the reasons I love cooking with salsify is because of its impressive health benefits. Known as the ‘oyster plant’, this root vegetable is packed with dietary fiber, vitamin C, iron, and potassium; vital nutrients needed for a health-conscious lifestyle. Couple it with the valuable vitamins and antioxidants found in garlic, almonds, and the essential monounsaturated fatty acids present in olive oil, this dish is a nutrient powerhouse! It’s a delightful way to enjoy delicious food and look after your body at the same time. To know more about the health benefits of salsify, have a read of this article on Healthline.
Recipe versatility is another aspect that I value, and this Pan-Fried Salsify dish truly wins on that front. It is a wonderful alternative to the usual potato or carrot side dish. You can pair it with a piece of grilled chicken or fish, and a leafy green salad to create a balanced and hearty meal. Alternatively, I’ve found it works equally well as an accompaniment to something decadent like roast beef or lamb. The combination of savoury meat and these slightly sweet, earthy root vegetables is a real treat. I’m sure you’ll find this dish as versatile and enchanting as I do.
So whether you are new to salsify or an old fan, I encourage you to give this Pan-Fried Salsify with Garlic and Almonds recipe a try. It’s a little bit different, a lot delicious and definitely good for you. The more we embrace the array of vegetables available to us, the more enriched our meals will be. After all, variety is not only the spice of life, it’s the health of life too.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pound of salsify
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/3 cup of sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by washing and peeling the salsify under cold water. After peeling, immediately put them in a bowl of water mixed with the lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
Step Two
Next, slice the peeled salsify into pieces approximately half an inch thick. Then, bring a pot of salted water to the boil. Add the salsify slices to the boiling water and cook for around 10 to 15 minutes, or until they’re tender. Once cooked, drain the pieces and set them aside.
Step Three
While the salsify is cooking, peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Also, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry, non-stick pan until they’re golden brown. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the heat and set them aside.
Step Four
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and cook until it’s fragrant – this should take a minute or two. Be careful not to burn it.
Step Five
Add the drained salsify slices to the frying pan with the garlic. Cook them until they become golden brown on all sides. This should take around 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the slices from sticking to the pan.
Step Six
Once the salsify slices are fried, season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, add the toasted almonds and stir well to combine. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is warmed through.
Step Seven
The Pan-Fried Salsify with Garlic and Almonds is now ready to serve! Enjoy it while it’s warm as a side dish or a healthy, delicious snack.
