Fennel, Cucumber and Apple Salad

The Recycled Cook

By Adrian Sleeman

Fennel, Cucumber and Apple Salad



A very easy, if a little dangerous vegetarian cooking blog from me today. This is a simple side salad which can be served with any light lunch dish but it works particularly well with a warm Quiche.

 The contrast of hot and cold adds another dimension to what would otherwise be a very simple dish.

 In truth this is not so much of a salad as a cold pickle as all the ingredients are allowed to rest in a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar.

 As always with these dishes there are no hard and fast rules about the ingredients or the proportions, it is a matter of what you have available and how adventurous you are feeling.

 I had a Fennel bulb and a green Apple available as well as some baby courgettes but I could have equally added radish celery or a fruit such as Mango or Pineapple.

 Now comes the dangerous bit, you need to slice the ingredients thinly and the best way to do this is with a Mandolin (if you have one) but use the finger guard and above all be careful as it is extremely easy to cut yourself on this devilish instrument. If you have a food processor with a slicer use that as it is much safer. I know I am starting to sound like Health and Safety but I really do not want anyone to cut themselves and accept no responsibility for the use of this device. It makes me nervous every time I use it.
Add the juice of half a lemon and mix well, this will prevent the Fennel and Apple turning brown as well as starting the pickling process, then add some light white vinegar. I used Japanese rice vinegar but you could use a white wine, Chardonnay or Cider Apple vinegar. Stand for about an hour.

 Season with white pepper and a little garlic salt to taste. Sweeten with caster sugar if necessary but keep tasting to find the balance you like.

 Great on a Summer's day with a nice glass of Rosé or a light white wine.


Disclaimer: The suggestions and tips on these blog pages are meant to be used in conjunction with common sense. Keeping your family healthy is the priority. Do not use food that is unfit for human consumption and always follow sensible food hygiene guidelines.

  

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/homehygiene/Pages/food-leftovers-safety.aspx


Always be careful in the kitchen, we accept no responsibility for any accidents caused as a direct or indirect result of preparing any of these dishes. Children should not be allowed to handle sharp cooking implements without the supervision of an adult. 

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