Name: Insalata di rinforzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tsp fennel seeds; 500 gm cauliflower, broken into small florets; 140 gm green olives, sliced into cheeks; 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped (loosely packed); ½ Spanish onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp baby capers in vinegar, drained; 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup); 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Insalata di rinforzo

Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for Insalata di rinforzo

Serves 6

Prep

15M

Cook

Total

20M

In the south of Italy, fresh and preserved vegetables are a staple part of the diet. Neapolitans traditionally eat this salad from Christmas Eve to Epiphany, each day reinforcing it (rinforzo) by adding more ingredients to the bowl. It’s the perfect addition to an antipasto spread, and pairs beautifully with cured meats and/or simply cooked seafood.

Ingredients

2 tsp fennel seeds

500 gm cauliflower, broken into small florets

140 gm green olives, sliced into cheeks

1 cup flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped (loosely packed)

½ Spanish onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp baby capers in vinegar, drained

60 ml extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup)

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Method

Main

1.Dry-roast fennel seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat until fragrant (30 seconds). Transfer to a mortar and pestle and coarsely crush.

2.Cook cauliflower in boiling salted water until tender (2-3 minutes). Refresh in iced water, drain well and place in a large bowl with fennel seeds and remaining ingredients. Season to taste, toss to combine and serve.