Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the lush landscapes of the Philippines with this extraordinary Fiddlehead Fern Salad! Often overlooked, these delicate forest treasures are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a vibrant, crisp salad that combines the earthy freshness of wild ferns with a zesty dressing that dances on your palate – this isn't just a recipe, it's a flavor revelation waiting to be discovered!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fiddlehead ferns, cleaned
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the fiddlehead ferns by rinsing them under cold running water, removing any brown papery scales or debris.
- Blanch the fiddlehead ferns in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes to remove any bitterness and soften them slightly. Ensure they remain crisp and bright green.
- Immediately transfer the blanched ferns to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Drain the fiddlehead ferns completely and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Dice the fresh tomatoes into small, uniform cubes, removing any seeds if desired.
- Slice the red onions thinly to create delicate, translucent rings.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched fiddlehead ferns, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and fish sauce to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the salad marinate for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- • Always choose fresh, bright green fiddlehead ferns without any signs of yellowing or wilting • The key to amazing fiddlehead ferns is proper cleaning and blanching – don't skip these crucial steps • Use ice bath immediately after blanching to preserve the bright green color and crisp texture • For the best flavor, use fresh vinegar and high-quality fish sauce • Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together • If you can't find fiddlehead ferns, you can substitute with asparagus or green beans • Serve chilled or at room temperature for the most refreshing experience • This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
