Smashed Radishes and Cucumbers

[QSis]

This was one of the dishes I made for a Chinese feast last weekend. We served it as one of the many appetizers, and it was a HUGE hit!

The recipe is adapted from the book "A Thousand Chinese Recipes". I quadrupled the sauce.

Smashed Radishes and Cucumbers

Ingredients

20 radishes
1 1/2 English cucumbers, cut into chunks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
11/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil
long pieces of scallion (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions:

1. Wash and trim radishes. Lay each on its side, then crush by pounding decisively once or twice with the side of a cleaver or the bottom of a glass. (The radishes should split open, but not break in two.)

2. Sprinkle with salt and let stand 5 to 10 minutes; then drain. Transfer to a bowl.

3. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and remaining salt. Add to radishes and cukes, and toss gently. Refrigerate, covered, only to chill (about 20 minutes).




By qsis, shot with Canon PowerShot S230 at 2008-03-02

[kadesma]

This look great..I love both radishes and cucumbers..Thanks so much..Will be making this very soon.

kadesma

[Barb L.]

Thanks QSis, also one of my favorites, thanks for sharing.

[Jeff G.]

I am so going to make this!!!! I love radishes..

[ChefRuby]

If cucumber is smashed like radish, it will taste even better.

[karenlyn]

This will be wonderful for summer. Can't wait to give it a try!

[QSis]

Note: The radishes lose a lot of their crunch if left in the marinade overnight, and the skins lose their bright red color. However, they still are about as crunchy as a water chestnut and the white centers turn pink.

Even over-marinated, the radishes are delicious sliced in salads!

I think what I'll do as I harvest my garden radishes this spring is to mix up a big batch of marinade and just pour some over radishes as I need them.

Lee

[shortchef]

This is just wonderful for a low-fat eating program. And DH will like it, too. Thanks!

[GrillingFool]

Don't limit yourself to cukes and radishes in that tasty marinade...
I bet a whole garden of fresh veggies would be great!

[kadesma]

lee,
made a batch last Sunday and everyone loved them..My son in law wanted to take the left overs home for lunches this week..The way he eats I'd say they were gone by the time he got home They were the best and thanks...
kades