Introduction
Frisée and Radish Salad with Hazelnut Dressing combines the peppery notes of frisée greens with the crispness of radishes, all complemented by a rich hazelnut dressing. This salad is not only a delight for your taste buds but also an easy-to-prepare dish that showcases fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
Tips for this recipe
- Make sure to dry the frisée leaves thoroughly after washing; excess water can dilute your dressing.
- Chop the hazelnuts finely and set them aside as they will be sprinkled on top of the salad for an added crunch.
- For the best texture, use fresh radishes with tender greens that are not too watery.
Why you will love this recipe
This salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The frisée provides a nutty, slightly bitter backdrop that pairs beautifully with the creamy hazelnut dressing. Radishes add a fresh zest while bacon introduces an unexpected savory element. It’s a sophisticated dish that will impress your guests or be a refreshing addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts (2 ounces), coarsely chopped
- 4 bacon slices
- 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 small heads frisée (about 10 ounces total)
- 4 medium radishes, thinly sliced
Adviced equipment
KitchenAid Stand Mixer with Blender Attachment: Ideal for blending dressings and mixing ingredients.
Chef’s Knife Set (Stainless Steel): Essential for chopping greens, bacon, and additional vegetables.
Cutting Board with Handle: Offers a secure grip during food preparation to ensure safety and efficiency.
Salad Spinner: Helps remove excess water from frisée and other greens for better texture and dressing adherence.
Mixing Bowls (Set of 3): Useful for mixing ingredients separately before combining them in the salad.
Stainless Steel Salad Serving Bowl: Presents the finished salad attractively.
History of the recipe
The combination of frisée and radishes with a nutty dressing might not be an ancient tradition, but it’s reminiscent of how many cuisines blend salads. The use of hazelnuts could be linked to the regional availability of nuts in certain areas, adding local flair to the dish. As for bacon, its inclusion speaks volumes about the French-American culinary influence, where frisée is a popular choice due to its resilience and flavor.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know that frisée is also known as “curly endive” in the United States? While it’s similar in many ways, including its slightly bitter taste, there are some subtle differences worth noting. For instance, frisée tends to have more pronounced curling leaves compared to what might be referred to as “curly” endive stateside.
Incorporating hazelnuts into salads is a trend that has seen resurgence in recent years. This nut, once simply an ingredient for baking and confections, now adds not just flavor but also textural contrast to the crunchiness of nuts like almonds or pecans.
