We’re not a huge radish-eating country here in the United States, and I think that’s a mistake.
Radishes carry in their little bodies a tremendous variety of vitamins and minerals, so they’re a smart addition to our five-a-day veggie eating, but the spicy flavor can keep many home cooks away.
In France, I learned to love radishes as common cocktail hour snack (or “aperitif”), eaten raw, smeared with a small glob of butter and a dash of salt. If that sounds a little crazy, I dare you to try it and tell me that the French are not the wisest radish-eating culture out there. Of course, falling in love with a veggie only when topped with creamy fatty butter isn’t exactly a recipe for healthy eating, but it did get radishes on my radar, which led me to: roasting them.
If you haven’t roasted radishes before, you are in for a surprise. The sharp flavor mellows into a sweet earthiness that is completely family-friendly. In fact, my four girls have love roasted radishes since they were toddlers, owing to the gorgeous shade of pink they turn in the oven. Radishes are delicious simply tossed in a little olive oil and salt and pepper, and then roasted until tender in a hot oven — about 20 minutes at 400 F. Or add some minced garlic and dried herbs before cooking and then a squeeze of lemon before eating.
Today’s recipe tops plain roasted radishes with a quick green goddess dressing made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over hot radishes and serve as a side dish, or let the radishes cool to use as finger food to dip in the gorgeous herbaceous sauce.
ROASTED RADISHES WITH GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
Servings: 6
Start to finish: 30 minutes
1 pound radishes, about 15, cut in half, lengthwise
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Green Goddess Dressing:
1/2 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic (about 1/2 a clove)
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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