We’ve had quite an assortment of radishes in our CSA boxes lately and I was ready to try something new with them. Prior to this, I didn’t even realize that cooking radishes was an option.
I’ve always simply added them to salads and that’s about it. I had a small bunch of Easter Egg radishes and another bunch of French Breakfast radishes to use. So, I looked around for different cooking methods.
To braise something is to brown it hot and fast for flavor; then add liquid and simmer to cook until tender. It was the perfect combination for these colorful spring radishes. Cooked radishes have a dramatically different flavor from their raw counterparts.
There was just a hint of the typical peppery bite usually associated with radishes. Once cooked, the radishes were incredibly mild and quite unique.
With the balsamic vinegar and the slightly salty bits of bacon, this was a great side dish for an easy meal.
Braised Spring Radishes
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of radishes I used French Breakfast and Easter Egg radishes
- 2 large shallots sliced very thinly
- 2 strips of bacon slivered into thin pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar
- ¼ - 1/2 cup water I only needed ¼ cup
- 1/2 of a small bunch of Italian parsley leaves chopped into a small handful
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the tops and bottoms of the radishes and discard. Wash the radishes and then pat dry. Slice each radish in half lengthwise and then set aside.
- Heat the bacon pieces and the butter over medium heat in a very large skillet. When the pork starts to curl at the edges and the butter stops foaming, about 2-3 minutes, add the shallots and toss to coat. Continue stirring for a minute or so, just until they start browning slightly. Add the radishes, placing each one cut side down in the skillet, on top of the bacon and the shallots. Cook them undisturbed for about 2 minutes, just until the bottoms start to turn color.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and then add just enough water to come up around the sides of the radishes. Cover with lid, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or so.
- Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium for a few minutes, just until the water has reduced into a syrupy sauce. Add the parsley and toss to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Jenn says
I've never braised radish before, but a friend of mine talks about it all the time. Guess this is my sign to finally try it!!
Gloria says
look amazing! I had some bananas so mature I think in make some of your smoothies lol
Geni says
Have not tried braising radishes but I did quick pickle mine this weekend and they were divine! I almost posted it, but I just didn't feel like I was enough of a pickle expert to post. Your braised radishes look divine!
sportsglutton says
We had spring radishes in our CSA box this past week, but unfortunately didn't create anything near what you have done with them. I wish I could go back in time!
Marjie says
I've made radish soup (which uses the greens as well as the conventional parts), but never tried just braising them. They look really good.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I love the flavor and texture that results from braising, but never thought about braising radishes. Great recipe, thanks for sharing!
Velva says
I recognized the radishes immediately. I though French breakfast radishes! I love to roast radishes, delicious.
I never thought to cook them in the skillet, with bacon too, then balsamic vinegar, wow!
Thanks for sharing.
Velva
Words Of Deliciousness says
I haven't eaten radishes for years. The radishes look delicious.
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
We are the same way. We haven't eaten radishes for years but this sure makes me want to go out and buy some asap!!
Sonia (Nasi Lemak Lover) says
Beautiful and healthy dish!
Joanne says
I actually don't really LOVE raw radishes…but braised, I think I could be converted. they're always so pretty that I WANT to buy and love them…and now I'll actually have a tasty way to prepare them!
Cher Rockwell says
I love little radishes – this is such a beautiful, unique treatment for them.
Chris says
I don't eat a lot of radishes but this sounds like something I need to try.