Sometimes it’s the simple things that are best.
Like something bitter with something sweet, something crunchy with something soft, something healthy with something full of flavor.
In summer, all I want is things that are hydrating and things that give me energy. Since compromising taste is simply something that cannot be had, that’s just a given. This salad was a pleasant surprise of things in my fridge and a tender summer moment in the kitchen. Endives are rather bitter and I find them difficult to eat at times, but combined with the sweetness of the berries and the musk of either the cheese and/or the pumpkin seeds, you’re lookin’ scrumptious.
Blackberry and Endive Salad
Ingredients: 1 endive (cut into thin slices), 1 small box of blackberries (cut into fourths), 1/4 cup soft goat cheese and/or ground pumpkin seeds, 1 1/2 tbs. high quality balsamic or sherry vinegar, 2 tbs. grapeseed or olive oil, a large pinch sea salt, a large pinch paprika
Method: If using goat cheese, put it on the edge of a mixing bowl. Add endive and (optional) seeds, olive oil and vinegar. Mix with a knife, scraping up the edges of the cheese, so that all is coated. Slowly mix in blackberries. Salt and paprika to taste. Serve alongside your favorite tartine in a little mound topped with a few leaves of baby basil for something charming.
