Oh sweet and sharp radishes – they just smile, don’t you think? There is just something about the little things. You just want to squeeze their pink cheeks, give them a penny and say “now don’t spend it all in one place.” They provide something a tad different, beautiful color and a nice snappy, spicy crunch . Little, yet mighty. Maybe that’s the root of my affection.
The variety I’m growing this year is called French Breakfast radish. For those folks who like to still use the fodder of years past, you may also refer to them as Freedom Breakfast radishes. This particular variety has a pleasant amount of spice that adds without over powering. This characteristic makes is lovely for raw snacking!
Radishes usually find their way to the dinner table folded into the leaves of lettuce and other veggie delights in a salad. Things are not always as they appear; the unassuming radish can wear many hats. Try something new. They’re great in potato salad & tuna salad or try with arugula on warm pasta. Here are some recipes for thought –
Radish Curry Saute –
-Radishes don’t have much bulk to them, so the volume in this recipe isn’t high, but it makes a great small side dish or served on top of rice. Jonathan and I gave it a thumbs up! Serves 2 – takes 15 minutes
A bunch of radishes with leaves
One small onion, sliced
Garlic- 2 or 3 small cloves crushed
Turmeric powder- a pinch
Mustard seeds – a pinch
Curry powder- a pinch
Salt and pepper to taste
In a pan, add some oil. When it is hot, add the mustard seeds, curry and onions. Saute until onions turn slightly brown.
Add the garlic and turmeric powder, mix up well.
Add the radishes – Cook covered for about 3-4 mins. It’s nice to have the radishes soft, yet crunchy.
After you remove the radishes onto a plate, in the same pan quickly you can saute the leaves for a few seconds and add it to the top of the radishes. Great served over rice.
Radish Top Soup –
– I’ve made this recipe twice this week, it’s lovely. It comes out nice and hardy, like a super food soup. Ironically we’re actually experiencing bona fide soup weather, so this is June in Siskiyou County- humm? Serves 2-3
One bunch of radish greens (and or any other greens you may have)
One small onion, chopped (I made it a top – top soup and used the green tops of an onion as a substitute)
Few cloves garlic, chopped
One medium potato, cubed
Chicken/Vegetable broth – 3 cups
Milk or Creme – 1/4 cup
Salt and Pepper to taste
Radishes, sliced for garnish * a little lemon squeezed on top was quite nice as well!
Add oil or butter to a soup pot and saute onions and garlic until aromatic.
Add potatoes and greens. Add broth and bring to boil until potatoes are tender.
Allow soup to cool slightly. Ladle into a blender and blend until smooth. Add milk and transfer back to pot to reheat.