| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 210 | 10.5g | 1.5g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 3g | 2g | 0.10g |
Spending most of my life in the vibrant city of Miami, infused with Cuban and Spanish heritage, has allowed my culinary instincts to immerse in a thrilling fusion of flavors. One delightful dish that signifies this rich blend is the Scorzonera Salad with Lemon. This special recipe brings together the simple satisfaction of fresh, healthy produce with a zest that is delightfully refreshing.
The Joy of Preparing Scorzonera Salad
I adore preparing this salad–it’s like doing a dance where each ingredient plays a note in perfect harmony. The scorzoneras, a root vegetable with a unique nutty flavor profile, conduct the rhythm. The lemon and oranges contribute tangy top notes, and the mint leaves add that effervescent twist. As you combine the ingredients, you manipulate textures and flavors, like choreographing a dance number–and let’s not forget, I am a dance teacher too!
The diversity of ingredients in Scorzonera Salad with Lemon also makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Scorzonera is a good source of potassium and vitamin C, aiding in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and boosting the immune system. Plus, pairing the citrus fruits with the olive oil helps your body better absorb the fruit’s valuable antioxidants.
The Taste Dance on Your Tongue
Taking a bite of this salad is like being transported to a sunny Mediterranean beach. The brightness of the citrus contrasted with the earthiness of the scorzonera, along with the subtle sweetness of the caramelized red onion, makes for an tantalizing dance of flavors. The whole presentation is a visual treat too–the vibrant colors of the salad simply promise a delightful, delightful meal.
For those who love Mediterranean dishes, you will find that this salad is quite similar to the traditional Insalata Siciliana, another citrus-based salad. It will also pair well with a variety of dishes–it could provide a fresh contrast to a rich Paella, or add a light, zesty side to any Tapas spread. When it comes to beverages, this will go remarkably well with a crisp white wine or why not, a refreshing tropical cocktail!
If you wish to know more about Scorzonera and its potential health benefits, you can read a detailed article here.
That’s the beauty of Scorzonera Salad with Lemon; its simplicity belies the complex cascade of flavors it holds–a mouthwatering dance of traditions on your palate. It brings me back to my roots, to the fusion of cultures that sparked my culinary journey. Every bite, every taste, tells a delicious story, and I can’t wait for you to try it.
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium Scorzoneras
- 1.5 cups of Water
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 1 small Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Oranges, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- A pinch of Pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh Mint leaves, chopped
Method
Step One
Firstly, peel the scorzoneras and drop them into a pot of boiling water. Lower the heat and let them simmer until they become soft. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
Step Two
In a separate pot, bring the 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the peeled and sliced oranges and let them boil for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, strain the oranges and set aside, keeping the liquid in the pot.
Step Three
In the pot with the orange-infused water, add the juice of one lemon, a quarter cup of olive oil, three tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, a quarter teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper. Heat this mixture to a simmer and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside once done.
Step Four
Once the scorzoneras are soft, remove them from the water and let them cool for a bit. Then cut them into thin slices and add them to the bowl with the thinly sliced red onion.
Step Five
Pour the cooled dressing over the scorzonera and onion mix, then add the boiled orange slices. Mix everything together gently.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the salad and mix lightly. Your scorzonera salad with lemon is ready to be served!
