Radicchio is beautiful to look at, the deep purple colour adds delight to a plate. It is slightly bitter, so balancing the flavour with some fresh sweet citrus and a honey dressing is perfect. If you can't find radicchio, try this salad using chicory or cos lettuce. It is a great accompaniment to a quick fried lamb loin or steak. Ricotta adds a delicious creamy texture.
ORANGE AND MANDARIN WITH RADICCHIO AND RICOTTA
Serves 4
1 cup quinoa
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 radicchio, cut into 8 wedges
1 orange, peeled and sliced
1 mandarin, segmented
½ cup basil leaves
250g ricotta
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Dressing
2 Tbsp runny honey, melted
2 Tbsp olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 mandarin
1 tsp orange zest
1. Place the quinoa into a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes until all the liquid has absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
2. To make the dressing, in a small jar shake together the honey, oil, mandarin zest and juice and orange zest.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the radicchio wedges and brown on each side. This is quick. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl combine the quinoa, radicchio, orange, mandarin basil leaves and dressing. Stir gently, so as not to break up the radicchio.
5. Serve on to a platter topped with ricotta, season with salt and pepper.
