Kohlrabi and Mache Salad

A Simple Salad with a Surprising Twist: My Kohlrabi and Mache Adventure

Let me tell you about my recent culinary adventure. It all started with a picture. A picture of a stunning salad, vibrant and fresh, that completely stole my heart. I was dining at St. JOHN Bread & Wine in London – a place known for its exceptional food – and there it was: a simple kohlrabi salad that somehow managed to be both elegant and utterly captivating. The kohlrabi, with its unusual shape and crisp texture, was a revelation. I immediately knew I had to recreate this masterpiece back home.

The challenge, of course, was the kohlrabi itself. It's not exactly a common ingredient in my kitchen repertoire. It looks a bit like a strange alien vegetable – a pale green orb that somehow manages to be both intriguing and a little intimidating. But the description on the menu piqued my interest: crisp like celery with a subtle mustardy flavor. Intrigued, I purchased some from the local farmers market and headed home, eager to experiment.

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. The key, I discovered, was in the preparation of the kohlrabi. Paper-thin slices were essential to bring out its crispness and delicate flavor. I invested in a good mandoline slicer – a tool I've since found indispensable – which made quick work of transforming the somewhat intimidating kohlrabi into perfectly even, translucent slices. This simple act of slicing completely transformed the vegetable, showcasing its almost hidden elegance.

The addition of mache (lamb's lettuce) provided a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. Its tender leaves offered a gentle sweetness that complemented the subtle mustardy notes of the kohlrabi beautifully. A simple vinaigrette, composed of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, capers, and a touch of salt and pepper, tied everything together, adding a zingy brightness that was simply perfect. The capers brought a salty, briny counterpoint that prevented the salad from becoming too one-note.

The entire process was surprisingly quick and easy. From start to finish, it took me less than fifteen minutes to prepare this surprisingly elegant dish. It's the kind of salad that's perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a refreshing interlude between courses of a larger meal. It's sophisticated enough to grace a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight supper. I've served it to friends and family, and it's always a hit. The unusual kohlrabi draws compliments, and the overall freshness and lightness make it a refreshing and memorable addition to any meal.

Since that first attempt, I've experimented with slight variations. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added crunch, or a few finely chopped herbs for a burst of fresh flavor. But the core recipe remains the same: simple, elegant, and surprisingly satisfying. This is one salad that's earned a permanent place in my culinary repertoire. It's a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients, and the transformative magic that can come from a simple but thoughtful preparation. The kohlrabi salad, once a fleeting image captured on my phone, has become a cherished recipe – a small culinary adventure that's yielded big rewards.

More than just a salad, this recipe has reminded me of the power of simple pleasures, the unexpected joys found in experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients, and the beauty that lies in a dish thoughtfully prepared. It's a reminder that even the most unassuming of vegetables can reveal themselves to be culinary stars, waiting to be discovered. The next time you see a strange-looking vegetable at the market, don't be afraid to give it a try. You might just surprise yourself with the delicious results!

Step-by-step

• Peel kohlrabi.
• Slice very thin with a slicer and put in a bowl.
• Slice onion very thin with a slicer, then rinse in a sieve and pat dry.
• Stir into kohlrabi.
• Stir together lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper, then stir in oil and capers.
• Pour over vegetables.
• Toss with mache, then serve immediately.