Vegetables, Salads, and Sides
Citrus Salad
Fennel and citrus salad is one of Sicily’s greatest exports, to the point that it has reached cliché status. But it’s also really good. It’s a fun way to contrast a lot of winter citrus, and it pairs extraordinarily well with classic Sicilian mains. I prefer to omit the shaved fennel entirely. Fennel is too often watery, diluting the natural acidity of the citrus. All this salad needs is a hint of saltiness from the olives and pistachios, which enhances the citrus flavors.
Serve alongside Braciole alla Messinese as an acidic counter-point to their cheesy filling or with breaded dishes like Sarde a Beccafico and Cotoletta alla Palermitana.
Lay the blood oranges (4) on a large platter.
Distribute the navel orange pieces (4) and grapefruit suprêmes (1) over them.
Distribute the olives (¼ cup) and pistachios (¼ cup) evenly over the citrus.
Dress with the lemon juice (1 lemon) and olive oil, (¼ cup) season with salt and pepper (to taste).
Serve garnished with the mint (1 Tbsp).
Purchase cookbook to comment