Radish recipes
What are radishes?
When you think of root vegetables, normally what comes to mind are carrots, potatoes, turnips and the like. Radishes are another popular root veggies that can be eaten raw or cooked. They are a member of the Brassica family, along with other vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale. They have a mild, slightly spicy flavor and a crunchy texture and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The most common are red, white and black.
Radishes are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, and they have a high water content, making them a great snack or salad addition. You can enjoy these versatile and nutritious vegetables in a variety of dishes either by eating them fresh, roasted, or pickled, and their leaves can also be used in salads or sautéed.
How to Eat Radish
Raw radishes have a zesty, somewhat spicy taste caused by enzymes that are also found in mustard, horseradish, and wasabi. Cooking a radish dulls the pungent flavor and brings out an earthy, sweet taste.
Below are some ways to incorporate radishes into your diet:
- Make your own pickled radishes using white vinegar and spices
- Add sliced radish to a fresh salad
- Top a burger with lettuce and sliced radish
- Add radishes to a platter of veggies and dip
- Roast radishes with garlic and olive oil
- Make a radish and onion dip with plain yogurt as the base
- Top braised pork chops with crunchy sliced radish
Nutritional Benefits of Radishes
Radishes are an incredibly nutritious vegetable that can provide a number of health benefits. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They are low in calories and contain a good amount of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help to keep you feeling full. Radishes also contain antioxidants that may help to protect against chronic diseases. Additionally, they contain a compound called isothiocyanates, which has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.
Tips for buying and storing radishes
Buying.
When you go to the grocery store, look for radishes with a smooth, healthy-looking surface. Fresh radishes will be vibrant, with green leaves and bold roots, no matter whether they’re red radishes, watermelon radishes, or another type of radish. Healthy radishes are firm to the touch.
Avoid buying radishes that are soft or squishy.
Storing.
Fresh radishes can be kept for 1 to 2 weeks if they are stored properly in the refrigerator. Cut the leaves off just above the root. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel, place them in a plastic bag, and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Types of Radishes
Radishes are a popular root vegetable that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Below is a list of the common ones that are readily available in the markets.
1. Daikon Radish – Also known as the Japanese radish, this is the largest type of radish and has a mild, sweet flavor. It has a long, tapered shape with white flesh and a crisp texture.
2. Red Radish – This is the most common type of radish and has bright red skin and a slightly spicy flavor. It has a round shape and is usually eaten raw.
3. Black Radish – This type of radish has black skin and a pungent flavor. It is often used in pickles and other recipes that require a strong flavor.
4. White Radish – Also known as Chinese radish, this type of radish has white skin and a mild flavor. It is typically eaten cooked and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
5. Watermelon Radish – This type of radish looks like a watermelon on the inside and has a mild, sweet flavor. It is often used as a garnish or in salads.
If you are a radish lover, below are some of my favorite radish recipes that you can also try out.
Radish Recipes
We’ve all tossed raw radishes into salads or eaten them with dip. But they aren’t just good raw, and these basic radish recipes are here to prove that cooking radishes is but another simple way to change up how you use them in your kitchen.
Roasted Radishes with Balsamic and Honey
Roasting radishes mellow their peppery bite and bring out their natural sweetness. You can either decide to add the roasted radishes to salads or grain bowls or serve them on their own for a quick and easy veggie side dish.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 1 bunch of trimmed and halved radishes in olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until tender. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey, stirring to coat. Roast for an additional 10 minutes, until lightly caramelized. Serve warm and enjoy the burst of flavor with a crunchy topping.
Radish and Avocado Salad
This is another great radish recipe that you can prepare. Combine 2 cups of sliced radishes, 1 chopped creamy avocado, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Gently toss to combine the ingredients and serve.
Radish and Goat Cheese Toast
Preheat oven to 375°F. Toast 4 slices of your favorite bread. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese over each slice. Top with thinly sliced radishes and a sprinkle of sea salt. Bake for 8 minutes, until the cheese, is melted and the bread is crisp. This makes a great snack that even the kids will love.
Creamy Radish Smoothie
If you are looking to enjoy a nutritious and healthy smoothie, then, this radish smoothie is the best option. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 1 pound of diced radishes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes, until radishes are tender. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. This smoothie is not only nutritious but very healthy and a great treat for those watching their weight.
Pickled Radishes.
If you want a condiment that brings a zing to any recipe, then pickled radishes are the best option. This is what to do with that bunch of radishes lying in your refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar – 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon coriander seed
- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, coriander seed and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the radishes and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Finally, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Pickled radishes will bring life to any meal, from sandwiches to tacos.
Radish Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise –
- 3 large radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of alfalfa sprouts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Spread one slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
2. Top with radish slices, red onion, and alfalfa sprouts.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the remaining tablespoon of mayonnaise on the other slice of bread, and place it on top of the radish and sprout layer.
5. Slice the sandwich in half and enjoy with your favorite accompaniment.
Creamy Radish and Potato Soup
This is not only nutritious but a very delicious appetizer that will leave your taste buds demanding for more.
First, boil diced potatoes, radishes, and carrots in a pot of lightly salted water until they become tender. Once boiled, drain and set them aside. In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat and add in diced onions and garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, you should add in the cooked potatoes, radishes, and carrots and stir to combine. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer and cook until all the vegetables are tender. Puree the mixture with a blender until smooth. Finally, stir in heavy cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Radish Salad
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced radishes, oil, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the radishes and sprinkle with parsley.
This salad is quite easy and fast to prepare and you can enjoy it as a light snack or side dish.
In conclusion, radishes are a nutritious vegetable that you can enjoy in many different ways, whether you choose to eat them raw or cooked. Overall, they are a great choice for adding flavor, nutrition, and color to any meal.
