Karottensalat: Carrot salad.
Karottensalat, or German Carrot Salad, is a refreshing and healthy side dish that features grated carrots as the star ingredient. The carrots are seasoned with a simple yet flavorful dressing made from lemon juice, oil, and a hint of sugar to balance the flavors. Often enhanced with ingredients like shredded apples, chopped nuts, or raisins, this salad is a versatile accompaniment to a variety of main courses. It is particularly popular during the summer months and can be found at picnics, potlucks, and on the menus of German restaurants. The crunchy texture and vibrant color make Karottensalat a delightful addition to any meal.
Introduction:
Welcome to a vibrant journey of taste with a dish that invokes the simplicity of natural flavors and the brilliance of fresh produce. This sunshine carrot salad, inspired by Thomas Kocht, is not just a side dish – it's an experience that showcases the sunny blend of carrots with citrusy notes. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts or anyone seeking a refreshing, healthful salad, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and add a splash of color to your table. Let's embrace the simplicity and dive into the making of this delightful salad!
Ingredients:
- 6 medium carrots (approximately 500 grams)
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- A drizzle of honey
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- A splash of oil (neutral tasting like rapeseed or sunflower oil)
Instructions:
1. Prep Time: 10 minutes
2. Cook Time: 0 minutes (as this is a fresh salad)
3. Total Time: 10 minutes, excluding resting time
4. Equipment: 4-sided box grater, citrus juicer, mixing bowl
5. Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the carrots. Coarsely shred them using the fine side of your box grater. This is crucial, as a fine shred not only enhances the texture but also allows for the natural carrot juices to blend seamlessly with the dressing.
6. Next, juice your oranges and lemon. Strain the juice to avoid pulp and seeds. It’s beneficial to use fresh juice because it tastes vastly superior to store-bought and contributes to the salad's freshness.
7. In a large bowl, mix the shredded carrots with the fresh orange and lemon juice. Aim for a balance where the citrus can brighten the flavor without overpowering it—start with the juice of one orange and half a lemon and adjust according to your preference.
8. Season with salt, a drizzle of honey, and freshly ground black pepper, if desired, to enhance the flavors. The salt will also draw out more juice from the carrots, creating a delectable dressing of its own.
9. Add a splash of oil to the salad. This is not just for taste; many vitamins in carrots are fat-soluble, meaning they need oil to be fully absorbed by your body.
10. Let the salad rest. This allows the salt to draw out the juices from the carrots, infuses the flavors together, and guarantees that the salad is juicy and flavorful. Give it at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and intensify.
11. After resting, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. It may require a bit more salt, honey, or citrus juice.
12. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with a range of dishes and is perfect on its own for a light, refreshing meal.
Optional:
- Some individuals remember this salad with raisins from their childhood. Feel free to add a handful if you like a sweet and chewy contrast in your salad.
Servings: This recipe serves 2 as a substantial side or 1 as a generous, light meal.
Cooking Tips:
- The finer the shred of the carrots, the better the overall texture of the salad.
- Always opt for fresh citrus juice over bottled for a brighter flavor.
- Allow the salad to rest before serving; this time enhances the overall taste and texture.
Attribution:
Recipe inspired by Thomas Kocht. For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, check out his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Thomaskocht.
#fresh #simple #refreshing #delicious
YouTube channel - Thomas kocht: https://www.youtube.com/@Thomaskocht
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