Tundra Trek Minimalist Dish (Print)

A chilled arrangement of crisp vegetables with sesame seeds and a light olive oil dressing.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small daikon radish, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 1 small kohlrabi, peeled and thinly sliced
03 - 1 Belgian endive, leaves separated
04 - ½ cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped

→ Garnish & Accents

05 - ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
06 - 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, lightly toasted
07 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
08 - ¼ cup microgreens (e.g., pea shoots or radish sprouts)
09 - Flaky sea salt, to taste

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - ½ teaspoon white pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

# Directions:

01 - Place a large, clean stone or marble serving platter in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembly.
02 - Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and white pepper in a small bowl until combined.
03 - Sparsely spread the peeled and thinly sliced daikon, kohlrabi, and separated Belgian endive leaves across the chilled platter, emulating scattered tundra flora.
04 - Sprinkle finely chopped cauliflower florets, coconut flakes, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds over the arranged vegetables in an irregular, windswept pattern.
05 - Lightly drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the vegetable and garnish composition.
06 - Top the arrangement with microgreens and a pinch of flaky sea salt immediately prior to serving.
07 - Present immediately to maintain the cold, crisp texture and subtle flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's all about texture—crisp, snappy vegetables keep their bite because you serve everything ice-cold and barely dressed.
  • The presentation feels intentional and artistic without requiring any real plating skills, just a thoughtful eye and a steady hand.
  • Zero cooking means you can have this ready in under 30 minutes, and your kitchen stays cool while the food stays pristine.
02 -
  • Slice everything paper-thin with a mandoline, and do it just before assembly—even 10 minutes sitting around will cause the vegetables to start releasing moisture and softening.
  • The stone must be genuinely cold when the food touches it, or the whole temperature contrast that makes this dish sing will be lost.
03 -
  • If your stone cracks in the freezer, use any large chilled ceramic or even a clean marble tile; what matters is the cold and the visual sense of stark, minimal beauty.
  • For protein, scatter smoked whitefish flakes or chilled poached shrimp just before serving, or offer a creamy beurre blanc on the side for those who want richness alongside restraint.
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