The Faddish Radish

When you think of the latest fads what comes to mind…skinny jeans or platform shoes? Believe it or not foods are faddish too; and one of the “hottest” fads is totally rad…it’s the unsuspecting radish!
Radishes are a very good source of vitamin C – 25% of the daily recommended value – helping to rebuild tissues and blood vessels, and keeping bones and teeth strong. In addition to vitamin C, they contain a group of phytonutrient antioxidants called, isothiocyanates which prevent hormonal cancers. Nutrient dense radishes also contain folate, riboflavin, potassium, copper, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, and calcium. Radishes are fibrous promoting healthy elimination and they act as a diuretic helping to detoxify the kidneys. They can also help regulate blood pressure, relieve congestion, and prevent respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis.
Have you been looking for a guilt-free snack? Do you like peppery foods? How about a little crunch to munch? If you answered yes to any of the above, radishes may be the perfect fit for you! Why don’t you join the latest fad and try some on for size?
Crunchy Napa Slaw with Radishes
1 small head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced then coarsely chopped
1 C thinly and diagonally-sliced sugar snap peas
1 C radishes, sliced into half-moon shapes
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/2 – 3/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, but if you’re a cilantro fan I would use it)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Dressing:
1 T white wine vinegar
1 T sugar
1 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. crushed garlic puree
1/4 tsp. Asian sesame oil
1/4 tsp. ground ginger puree
1/4 tsp. (or more) Sriracha sauce
1/3 cup mayo

Thinly slice Napa cabbage, then coarsely chop to make 3-4 cups shredded cabbage. Trim both ends of sugar snap peas, then thinly slice on the diagonal to make 1 cup sliced peas. Trim both ends of radishes and wash if needed, then cut in half lengthwise and cut into half-moon slices. Slice green onion to make 1/2 cup. If using cilantro, wash, spin dry or dry with paper towels, and then chop enough to make 1/2 – 3/4 cup chopped cilantro. Combine Napa cabbage, sugar snap peas, radishes, green onions and cilantro in a salad bowl.

In a bowl or glass measuring cup, stir together the white wine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic puree, sesame oil, ginger puree, and Sriracha sauce. Whisk in the mayo until ingredients are well combined.

Toss salad ingredients, add enough dressing to coat ingredients, and toss again. Toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add almonds and toss gently. Serve immediately.

www.kalynskitchen.com

Leave a Reply