(Image by: USDA SNAP-ED Connection, n.d.)
Howdy, friends! We are getting closer to the time to say goodbye to 2022, and welcome a new year, are you ready for that? Are you as excited as I am? I have so many things to look forward to next year. Like, challenging myself to try more new recipes, to try new workout routines, and to visit more places around the world (if my savings allowed, LOL)!
Although I am super pumped about welcoming the year 2023, we still have two more months to go. November is actually the month that I enjoy the most, because of the milder weather and the environment somehow feels more relaxing and cheerful. This month, I challenge myself and you to try new food, the RADISH!
Radish is the root vegetable that I never thought I would try putting more effort into. A little background of the radish. Radishes are root vegetables, just like potatoes. They peak in both Spring and Fall (USDA SNAP-Ed Connection, n.d.), and are available in many different types, but the most common type of radish that is available in most of the grocery stores is the Cherry Belle radish. Radishes are low in calories, but HIGH in VITAMIN C content (Have a plant, 2022). ANYTHING ELSE about the radishes that you and I might find more interesting? Radishes taste differently by the way we prepare them. Raw radishes offer a sharp peppery taste, and also are crunchy. Unlike raw radishes, cooked radishes are mildly sweet and mellow.
Radishes are surprisingly very easy to incorporate into different dishes, add them in the sandwiches/burgers, taco, pizza toppings, salad, and grain bowls. I found some very easy, foolproof, but extremely delicious radish recipes. Feel free to try them all.
Korean-style (asian style) Radish Pickles: SERIOUSLY, there is nothing special about this pickle recipe, they are very tasty but easy to prepare. You can incorporate these yummy refreshing pickles in bibimbap (korean mixed rice) or korean cold noodle dish. I served them with some crispy baked Korean chicken wings. It is definitely the best party and gathering side dish. The recipe is adapted from My Korean Kitchen. (for the baked chicken wings recipe, it is inspired by Modern Proper).
Chile Chicken Nacho: This is another appetizer/snack radish recipe. To make it simple to understand, it is a flavorful spicy chicken nacho recipe, topped with fresh radish slices to give an extra crunch to the nachos. The recipe is inspired by Bon Appetit.
Cabbage, Apple, and Radish Coleslaw: I found myself a new favorite healthy salad recipe! This is a very refreshing, light, and is a mildly sweet and tart salad/side dish. All you have to do is to shred the cabbage, cut the radish and apple, and chop the onion. Then tossed the cabbage mixture with homemade dressing. I got the dish ready in less than 10 minutes. This crunchy salad is definitely a crowd-pleasing dish! The recipe is adapted from Blackberry Babe.
Roasted Radishes: Like all other root vegetables, the radish tastes mildly sweet and creamy after roasting in the oven. Although the roasted radishes do not turn up to be as crispy as roasted potatoes, I still enjoyed every single bite of these roasted radishes. You can enjoy this dish by itself, or incorporate it into grain bowls (buddha bowl) and/or wrap it in burritos. The recipe is inspired by Diethood.
Kale Salad with Blackened Tempeh & Vegan Cajun Ranch: This is a versatile recipe, you can make it into a salad, bowl, or wraps. Also, you can swap out tempeh for grilled chicken. Radish, in this recipe, plays the role as one of the toppings. Because of the flexibilities of the recipe, and the simplicity, it is a perfect dish for meal prep. The recipe adapted from Feasting at home. The picture that I shared below is how I made the kale salad bowl and tempeh burrito, by using the same recipe.
Steak Salad with Harissa Potatoes and Crunchy Radishes: Although I don’t eat meat, I still highly recommend this recipe. This steak salad is so flavorful and satisfying, it works great for meal prep for work! (*NOTE: please pardon me for my lack of skill in cooking the meat. **cough cough** I overcooked the meat. LOL!) The recipe is adapted from Bon Appetit.
*Most ingredients were sponsored by the DRH Health Food and Nutrition Department.
Reference
USDA SNAP-Ed Connection (n.d.). Radishes. Retrieved from https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide/radishes
Have a plant (2022). Fruits & Veggies: Radish. Retrieved from https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/radish/