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Crispy Kohlrabi and Mushroom Salad
Raw kohlrabi brings an incredible, apple-like crunch that pairs beautifully with earthy chestnut mushrooms in this simple raw salad. You'll toss the vegetables in a quick, savory dressing made from toasted sesame oil, lime juice, and a pinch of chili flakes. The thinly sliced red onions soften slightly in the acidic dressing, losing their sharp bite while adding plenty of flavor. It's a refreshing side dish that holds its texture perfectly, even if you make it a few hours ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 small red onion, halved and very thinly sliced
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 kohlrabi (about 500g in total)
- 50–75g chestnut mushrooms
Instructions
- 1Place a small frying pan over low heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking the pan frequently. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the seeds begin to pop, then set them aside to cool.
- 2Place the sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lime juice, caster sugar, chili flakes, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it sit to marinate. The acid in the lime juice will help soften the raw onion and mellow its sharp bite.
- 3Peel the kohlrabi, trimming off the tops and bases. Slice the kohlrabi into thin matchsticks using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Snap off and discard the mushroom stalks, then cut the caps into thin slices.
- 4Toss the kohlrabi matchsticks and sliced mushrooms into the bowl with the marinated onions. Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and mix well. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, sugar, or lime juice if needed.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can slice the kohlrabi and mix the dressing up to a day in advance, but wait to combine everything until shortly before eating to keep the mushrooms firm.
- Equipment: A mandoline makes quick work of slicing the kohlrabi into uniform matchsticks, ensuring an even texture throughout the salad.
- Swap: If you can't find chestnut mushrooms, standard cremini or baby bella mushrooms work perfectly.