Do you like bitter greens? Endive, radicchio, arugula, frisse, watercress, broccoli rabe? I was at a talk a while back being given by an herbalist and naturopath who went on at length about their benefits, and I've been drawn to them ever since. While all vegetables are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, bitter greens are especially beneficial when it comes to digestion since they are known to stimulate a stagnated system. Especially given that winter meals are a bit heavier or rich than in warmer seasons where tend to favor lighter, seasonal fare, incorporating bitter vegetables in your diet can help you feel more lifted from your meals, instead of weighed down. This simple salad is crunchy and substantial, with pops of citrus from juicy pink grapefruit supremes, and accented by salty sheep's milk feta, roasted pepitas, and balanced by a honey-based vinaigrette.
serves two.
1 small head of radicchio
1 small head of romaine lettuce
4 oz. good quality feta (bleu cheese would be a nice alternative, but not too much).
supremes from one ripe pink grapefruit
roasted pepitas
finely diced chives or scallions
dressing:
1 tbsp raw honey
2 tbsp of roasted pistachio oil
lemon juice from half a lemon
pinch of Aleppo chili flakes
salt to taste
optional: fresh thyme. Please don't use dried unless you're making the dresssing a day or more ahead of time, or the dried bits will be hard in your mouth, and that's not the way we want to go with this.
you could eat this on it's own, topped with some poached chicken, or as a side to a more substantial meal.