Monday, May 18, 2009

Warm Carrot Julienne

While on a mini getaway in Alma, NB, this weekend, I eat perfectly fried local haddock at a restaurant just outside Fundy National Park. Although the fish was among the best I've ever had, there was an unusual side dish served, along with the traditional chips and coleslaw, that really made an impression on me: a warm carrot salad.

Thin slices of carrot were served softened with a little bit of turnip, and dried garlic and herbs. Even though it was good enough, what stuck with me was not their preparation, but rather, the idea of what I could do with this interesting salad at home.


 I let my subconscious work on it while I enjoyed the rest of my weekend, and, once home, I got to work on my own version.


I decided that, instead of turnip, my carrot julienne would have thin slices of red onion in it, to add more flavour and colour.


I also used fresh, not dehydrated, garlic, and a little bit of fresh lemon juice, to improve on the complexity of the dish. Like the original version, I added plenty of dried basil and oregano, along with salt and freshly cracked pepper.

The warm carrot julienne was a success. Since this is my blog and I can say what I want, I'm going to go ahead and toot my own horn: mine was better than the version that inspired it. Once sautéed, the carrots became so sweet that I was thankful for the garlic and lemon juice, which provided a nice counterbalance. The red onion, itself fairly sweet, was the perfect complement to the carrots. Served with a grilled steak and roasted asparagus, it was a great side dish that I think will join the usual lineup at Chez Amanda. 


Dear Bay of Fundy,

I'll be back for the fish. Next time, though, leave me in charge of the carrots.

Much love,

Amanda

Warm Carrot Julienne: The Recipe
Servings: 2 sides

Amanda's notes: As pictured, I used a julienne peeler (found it at a regular grocery store) to do the carrots. Slice them thinly with a knife if you don't have one of these handy babies.

Ingredients
1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Sauté red onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and stir frequently to avoid burning. Add carrots, dried herbs, and salt and pepper, and sauté until soft. Add a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with lemon zest; serve immediately. Enjoy! 

12 comments:

  1. Now that's showing applied knowledge. A+, my dear. :)

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  2. I'll toot your horn! Your carrots were way better than the ones we had in Alma. Amazing work!

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  3. Wowee! Thanks, Dragon! :)

    Thanks, Caf Rat! ;)

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  4. I am normally not a very big carrot fan but yours look delicious! I may have to try it that way!

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  5. You should, Stacey! I'm normally kind of indifferent towards them, but I loved these!

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  6. That looks so amazing!
    What gorgeous carrots! I love carrots and always try to buy big beautiful ones like the ones you have pictured above.

    I can't imagine that tastes anything but amazing!

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  7. Hi, Melissa! Thanks! It tasted even better than it looks. :)

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  8. Looks wonderful Amanda! I have the worst time julienne-ing carrots with a knife so I need to get one of those special peelers!!

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  9. Thanks, Andrea! I hear you, I don't have the patience. That little tool makes my life so much easier! :)

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