I don’t really like carrots but they taste far better as salads than they do cooked. These recipes are both really tasty.

Russian (Korean) Carrot Salad

Apparently this recipe is called Russian Carrot Salad but it is really a Korean concoction that became popular in Russia. Every recipe I have looked at shows different ingredients so here is my take on the recipe. It seems that as long as it is a pickle and that if it has carrot, onion, coriander, chilli and toasted sesame seeds then the other ingredients are a matter of taste and balance.

I have made it with additional grated white beetroot, onions, radishes and cabbage – whatever is in the garden or in the fridge – and it works. It keeps for about a week so is worth making a bit extra.

Russian Carrot Salad

Russian Carrot Salad

Ingredients

  • 5 to 7 carrots, grated into wide strips with the food processor
  •  2 tsp crushed garlic
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 small chilli, seeded, sliced very finely AND 1/4 cup sugar
  • OR 2 tbs sweet chilli sauce
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbs sesame seeds toasted in 2 tsp sesame oil

Method

  1. Mix the spices, oil, soya and vinegar together, then add the carrot (and anything else being added).
  2. Stir everything together mixing the ingredients well.
  3. Refrigerate for a few hours, stirring frequently.

CARROT SALAD WITH GINGER AND DATES

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs honey
  • 1 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp sumac
  • 1/2 tsp finely chopped chilli
  • 1/2 cup date or sultanas
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 cups grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped coriander
  • 1/2 cup chopped mint

Method

1. Whisk dressing ingredients and add to carrot, herbs, and dates/sultanas.

MOROCCAN CARROT SALAD

Another really good carrot salad, can be made days ahead to let the flavours develop.

Whisk this dressing together and add to 4 cups of grated carrots

Dressing

  • 4 tbs olive oil
  • 1 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbs honey
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 1/2 tsp sumac
  • 3 tbs sultanas or cranberries
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Add when ready to serve

  • Chopped toasted nuts (almonds are good)
  • Bunch mint chopped
  • Bunch coriander chopped