ROCKET SCIENCE

Two of my good Daring Baker buddies' Lisa at La Mia Cucina and Kelly at Sass and Veracity embarked on a Salad Stravaganza quest recently to obtain salad recipes that would save their thighs and keep them inspired at the same time. This is a big departure from our usual quadruple-bypass recipes, and it being summer, a welcome one. I was finding it hard to choose because I wanted something better than the "would you like some more leaves?" offerings, and as a non-meat eater this can often be my lunch option in a cafe, with some goats cheese and the odd sun-dried tomato on top for extra sustenance. When I came across this recipe for a spiced orange and avocado salad it promised to do wonders for the thighs of the world if I chose it, how could I refuse.

I admit I have never tasted anything quite like this before, guacamole is the extent of my experience with avocado and though I know citrus fruits and spices match well with it, my first bite was a tentative one to see if it was going to work out. The soft buttery avocado, the sharp citrus tang and the subtle warm spices are a beautiful thing. The cardamom is the most dominant of the spices but still remains in the background and the peppery rocket just pulls it all together. I quartered the recipe below but devoured it in two minutes flat and stared at the plate willing it to be full again. This is a keeper for this summer, my own thighs feel more virtuous already, I now pass it on to Lisa and Kelly...

This recipe comes from the 30 Minute Vegetarian

SPICED ORANGE & AVOCADO SALAD

• 4 large juicy oranges
• 2 small ripe avocados, stoned and peeled
• 2 tsps cardamom pods
• 3 tbls light olive oil
• 1 tbls clear honey
• good pinch of ground allspice
• 2 tsps lemon juice
• salt & pepper
• few handfuls rocket (arugula) or watercress, to garnish

1. Cut a very thin slice off the bottom of each orange to help hold it steady as you peel it. Using a sharp knife and following the curve of the fruit, slice off the skin and the white membrane underneath. Over a bowl ,to catch the juice, cut between the membranes to segment the oranges. Put all the segments in the bowl.
2. Slice the avocados and toss gently with the orange segments, the juice will help prevent the avocado from browning. Pile onto serving plates.
3. Reserve a few whole cardamom pods for decoration. Crush the remaining pods using a pestle and mortar to extract the seeds, or use a small bowl and the end of a rolling pin. Pick out and discard the pods. Mix the seeds with the oil, honey, allspice, lemon juice, salt & pepper and reserved orange juice.
4. Garnish the salads with rocket (arugula) or watercress and spoon the dressing over the top. Serve.

Serves 4

Comments

[Lisa]

HA! I am all about virtuous thighs. ;)

What a fantastic salad, Laura! You guys and your creativeness are seriously blowing me away.. wait until Kelly sees, she's going to flip. :D

I love citrus & avocado - and I have cardamom sitting in my pantry just waiting to be used so this makes me especially happy!

Thank you so much, sweetie.. you knocked the ball outta the park with this one!

xoxo

[Meeta]

What a fantastic combo. This salad is incredibly fresh and I love the picture!

[Sarah Bell]

Looks lovely and healthy too, may have to dust off the two piece after that! I love rocket and have some growing in the garden, this will make good use of it.

[Laura]

Thanks Lis, Meeta and Sarah!
I'm pleading sleep deprivation for forgetting Kelly's link in the post above! Slightly more refreshed this morning I have corrected my mistake! Many apologies Kelly.

[Lorraine@italianfoodies]

Looks great, I never use avocado. I think I might start now! As always a fab picture Ms Laura:)!

[Lydia]

The cardamom really makes this dish! Will have to try it.

[cheryl]

I always say a dark green, nuts and cheese are my favorite components in a salad. But I forgot to say some fruit too. Yours is hitting the spot.

[Claudia]

I just ate lunch (salad and forgive me, fried chicken)and your salad made me hungry all over again. It looks YUMMY and it's pretty - a winner!

[Tanna]

Holy Moly! Out of the ball park is so right on with this one. That is a fabulous photo and great salad!

[Kelly-Jane]

I'll have to give the added cardamon a go sounds wonderful, and looks lovely to :)

[peabody]

I like the addtion of the cardamon, probably gives it a little something extra.

[Helene]

I love avocado and citrus together and this salad sounds so fresh and healthy! Beautiful!

[Susan from Food Blogga]

I just found this salad, and it's sensational! Ground allspice and cardamom must really add some complexity to the salad!