Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I am smitten with endive. I used to avoid them because I thought they were pale and creepy.  They are grown entirely in the dark which gives them that snow white complexion. Once they are exposed to light they begin their descent into bitterness. They are tightly bound like the protective bud of a rose. At first, I thought they were overly emotional and bitter.

Then, it finally occurred to me that perhaps I simply misunderstood them. I had not yet tasted the sweetness in the base of their petals or enjoyed the color at their tips.  I hadn’t given enough thought to the fact that it must require great strength and resolve to thrive in the dark.  I now revere them as something beautiful and eccentric. Endive is the Hope diamond of all things grown in the ground. This salad celebrates the endive as it deserves.  It has very few ingredients, looks sexy in the bowl and was exciting to enjoy.

Endive Berry Salad

By: S. Duquet

Ingredients

6 endive chopped

1 qt of strawberries chopped

1/3 C  unsalted, chopped pistachios (My preference is for raw pistachios but this time I could only find roasted, so I went with those)

1/2 C flavored or sweet white balsamic vinegar of your choice ( I used coconut white balsamic which gave it an intoxicating aroma and flavor. That is available at any of the boutique vinegar and oil stores popping up in every community. If you use an unflavored vinegar, you may want to add a dash of agave or brown rice syrup. )

Make It Happen

~Put all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently to coat. If you need more vinegar, throw it in. It doesn’t need to be juicy but you want all of your ingredients adequately covered.

~Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

This salad is so edibly luminous it could be the antidote for Seasonal Affective Disorder, which really is ironic because they are grown in the dark.  It is bitter and sweet and crunchy. The colors are dazzling and the flavor is exotic. Not bad for something that took 3 minutes to prepare.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, E2 friendly recipe, endive, endive salad, enjoying endive, going veg, Meatless Monday recipe, oil free recipe, plant based diet, sodium free recipe, trying vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe, vegetarian side dish