CELERY, RADISHES, AND ENDIVE WITH ANCHOVY DRESSING

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Celery, Radishes, and Endive with Anchovy Dressing image

_Puntarelle_ (a Catalonian chicory) with anchovy dressing is a classic Roman dish. We have substituted celery for the _puntarelle_ because the latter is not widely available in this country*. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Yield Makes 4 first-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 large celery ribs, strings discarded and ribs halved lengthwise
1 bunch small radishes
1 Belgian endive
8 flat anchovy fillets, chopped (1 1/2 tablespoons)
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Cut celery ribs crosswise into thirds. Beginning at 1 end of each piece of celery, make lengthwise cuts about 1/8 inch apart, cutting through to cutting board and stopping 1/4 inch from other end (so that pieces stay whole). Transfer as cut to a bowl of ice and cold water.
  • Trim stem end of each radish to create a flat surface. Stand 1 radish stem-end down and make vertical cuts at 1/8-inch intervals into (but not all the way through) radish, stopping about 1/4 inch above stem end. Rotate radish 90 degrees and make vertical cuts in same manner to form a crosshatch pattern, keeping radish intact. Transfer to ice water. Repeat with remaining radishes.
  • Chill celery and radishes, covered in ice water, until ends of celery curl, at least 1 hour.
  • Trim endive and separate leaves. Keep chilled, covered, until ready to serve.
  • Mash anchovies and garlic to a paste with salt and pepper using a mortar and pestle (or mince and mash with a large heavy knife and transfer to a bowl). Stir in vinegar with pestle (or a whisk), then add oil in a slow stream, stirring (or whisking) vigorously until dressing is emulsified.
  • Drain celery and radishes and pat dry. Serve vegetables with individual ramekins of dressing for dipping.
  • *Puntarelle is available by mail order from Lucio Gomiero's European Vegetable Specialties Farms, radicchio.com.

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