Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes collected from alt.food.vegan - and beyond!

Asian Pear and Watercress Salad with Sesame Dressing

Salad - Fruit - -

INGREDIENTS

Dressing

1 x 1/2 inch / 13 mm thick slice peeled fresh ginger
1/4 cup asian sesame paste* or smooth peanut butter
3 T asian sesame oil*
1/4 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned)
1 1/2 T sugar
2 T water
1 t asian chile paste with garlic (available at some asian markets and by mail order from Ethnic Grocer (800-523-1961).)
1/2 t salt
Salad
1 1/2 lb / 700 g asian pear (1 large or 2 medium)
4 cups trimmed watercress sprigs (from 2 bunches; 10 oz / 330 g)
1 carrot, finely shredded

METHOD

Dressing

Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Salad

Peel pear and cut into 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 - 6 mm) thick julienne, then transfer to a bowl.

Combine watercress and pear in bowl, then season with salt and pepper and toss gently.

Divide among plates, then drizzle with some dressing and sprinkle with carrot.

Active time: 20 min start to finish: 20 min.

NOTES

Dressing keeps, covered tightly and chilled, 1 week.

Makes 4 servings.

Gourmet July 2001