Caramelized Fennel and Walnut Tartine
At the Union Square farmer’s market today, the abundance was incredible as spring approaches. There was a light drizzle here in New York, and it seemed like the scent of the market was intensified, bringing out the earthy and fresh aromas of all the produce. While browsing through the various vendors, I came across seasonal produce like brussels sprouts and golden beets I also came across a new farm named Windfall Farms from Montgomery, NY. They had the most beautiful array of microgreens and leafy greens I had ever seen. The vibrant colors and delicate textures of their produce were truly captivating.
Inspired by the bounty of the market and the refreshing feel of the spring rain, I decided to create a fun and delicious spring-inspired tartine. The combination of caramelized fennel, leeks, watermelon radishes, and shallots, all beautifully enhanced with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, formed the perfect base. To this, I added a generous handful of those stunning microgreens from Windfall Farms, adding a fresh, crisp element that balanced the richness of the caramelized vegetables.
I strolled over to Ole & Steen, a well-known Danish bakery that is well known for its delicious pastries. I couldn’t help but purchase a beautiful loaf of their freshly baked sourdough bread when I was there. I must now make a small confession! Because bread usually results in a rash on one side of my face and severe bloating, I try to avoid eating it on a daily basis. I’ve since learnt to pay attention to my body and only occasionally eat gluten. It works great for me that I can occasionally consume gluten without experiencing any serious problems. Who doesn’t enjoy treating themselves to a slice of pizza or some delectable bread now and then? It all comes down to finding balance and occasionally indulging in my favorite meals.
After returning home, I made a tartine that I can confidently claim is the best I’ve had in a while. Just so you know, making tartines is something I really enjoy. Not only are they easy to prepare, but the possibilities for combinations are virtually endless. You can create a wide range of flavor profiles, from sweet to savory to spicy, offering endless culinary creativity. In fact, that statement applies to any kind of food, but tartines hold a special place in my heart. In fact, the beautiful watermelon radishes in this recipe gave me inspiration to make a radish Crostini. Perhaps it would be on the sweeter side with maybe some maple syrup, caramelized onion and feta cheese topped with fresh parsley! Will have to recipe archive for now in my memory!
Using fresh, in-season ingredients, this tartine is a beautiful way to welcome the approach of early spring. It’s the ideal dish for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner with some greens salad because of the way the flavors and textures blend together. As much as I enjoyed preparing and eating this, I hope you do too! If you're a fan or radishes, check out more radish recipes here for a terrific radish salad.
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