The French knew what they were doing when they started dipping radishes into butter. This recipe is an Asian twist on the popular French snack. Instead of pairing radishes and butter with salt, we use white miso. This gives the open-faced sandwich, also known as a tartine in French, a nice salty, nutty, buttery bite. This recipe makes for the perfect simple sandwich or snack that you can munch on during spring or summer. It’s easy to make and delicious to eat. Let’s start cooking.
Why are radishes and butter a popular flavor combination in France?
The popularity of radishes and butter in France boils down to a surprising but effective flavor and textural balance. Radishes have a strong, peppery flavor that can be quite pungent. Butter, with its richness and creaminess, acts to mellow out that peppery kick. This creates a more balanced and enjoyable taste experience.
French cuisine often celebrates high-quality, fresh ingredients. The combination of radishes and butter is a prime example. It's a simple pairing that requires minimal fuss, yet delivers a delicious result. The magic lies in using the best ingredients possible. French butter is known for its distinct flavor profile, often with a slight tanginess and nuttiness. This complements the crispness and earthiness of the radish even more. Often, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt accompanies the radish and butter. Salt enhances both flavors, further bringing out the best in this simple combination.
What are the benefits of eating radishes?
Radishes are crunchy and colorful root vegetables that offer a surprising amount of health benefits for their size. Radishes contain antioxidants like catechin, pyrogallol, vanillic acid, and other phenolic compounds. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in your body, which are molecules that have been linked with many diseases, including cancer. Additionally, radishes are a good source of vitamin C, which is another important antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage. They can also help manage blood sugar. Radishes contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which are chemical compounds thought to help manage blood sugar levels. Early studies have shown that they might improve energy metabolism. Finally, radishes are a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full longer.
Recipe: Radish, miso, butter tartine
Serves 1
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of high-quality butter (unsalted)
- 3 to 4 thinly sliced fresh medium-size radishes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon sliced green onions
- ½ teaspoon white miso pasta
- 1 to 2 slices of your choice of bread, I recommend a crusty sourdough
- Drizzle of top-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Bring your butter to room temperature so that it is nice and soft, but not melted. Set that aside while you prep your vegetables. I like to thinly slice my radishes using a sharp knife. But you can use a Mandoline slicer instead if you want radishes that are paper thin. After you slice your radishes thinly, chop up some parsley and green onions and set aside.
Step 2
Heat your pan to medium heat and toast your sourdough with a little bit of olive oil, you can also use a toaster. Once the bread is toasted it is time to assemble your tartine.
Step 3
While your bread is still warm, spread your soften butter and miso paste over the toasted bread. Next, add your fresh parsley and green onions on top. Layer your radishes on top of your fresh herbs.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt and pepper for flavor. You can either add another piece of bread on top and eat as a sandwich, or enjoy as a tartine.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by commenting below!