salads and leaves

 

Salads which are often regarded as soul food for searing summers are the flavor of the summer season all over the world.  But what is so new about salads? Well salad conversation starters have ceased to be starters. Salads are the latest ‘in’ thing in fine dining trend.  From being starters or petty accompaniments, they have evolved into complete and whole some meals by themselves.

Previously salads were the staples of the cholesterol sensitive calorie conscious figure fanatics.  But now with a whole host of global recipes vying for attention on your plate and crowding your platter, a la carte salads have managed to upstage the entrée. You now have a vast array of exotic ingredients to play around with while preparing salads.

It is possible to embark on a gastronomic trip much like Marco Polo from Italy to China and you can eat your way through cuisines and countries just by dining on salads alone. Now I will let you take a look at what the chefs have to offer to help you beat the heat this summer.

Beetroot Carpaccio

I sourced this recipe from the head chef at La Cucina, Hyatt Regency.

Ingredients

2 table spoonfuls of toasted walnuts

2 table spoonfuls of mango coulis

Pepper to taste

Sea Salt to taste

1 table spoonful of lime or lemon juice

2 table spoonful of extra virgin olive oil

5 gm of mescaline leaves mixed baby lettuce

1 large beetroot

Method

You have to first boil the beet root in cold water that has been salted. Then you have to allow the water to cool. Next you have to peel and thinly slice the beet root. Then you have to arrange the beet root slices nicely on a dinner plate.  Then you have to sprinkle and drizzle pepper, sea salt, lemon juice and olive oil over the sliced veggies. On top of this you have to drizzle the mango coulis and then you have to deck up the veggies with mixed mescaline greens. Garnish with walnuts on top.

How to prepare the mango coulis?

You have to puree one mango and turn it into a pulp by using a blender. Pour in seasoning and olive oil. Rest assured, this salad will not only be fulfilling for you, it is also a very healthy and nutritious option for those who are extremely health conscious.