11 September 2011

Mushroom & Rocket Salad with a Honey Truffle Vinaigrette

A spectacular Spring day in Auckland and what better way to start it but a walk around One Tree Hill.  So fortunate to have such a beautiful park so close by. It is especially wonderful in spring, daffodils blooming and lambs gamboling. Yesterday was purely for exercise as the annual get in shape for summer begins, and I was going to make a return visit this morning to take some photos, however our beautiful spring weather has turned to this.



Though I am not complaining as it does makes for a nice lazy Sunday. Beets are roasting and leeks and fennel are braising, soon to join some pepper steak for Sunday dinner.

But yesterday, the sky was blue and the sun was shining putting me in the mood for salad.  Somewhere recently came across a truffle and honey combination, not quite sure where, but that is what inspired this little salad.

Mushroom and Rocket Salad with a Honey Truffle Vinaigrette

Hardly a recipe really and no real measurements as such, so easy to whip up for a light lunch or it would also make for an easy little entree. 


Ingredients

Mushrooms - 3-4 per person, depending on size and peoples appetites.
Olive Oil
Salt
Rocket - a couple of handfuls per person
Parmesan - Parmigiano-Reggiano



And for the dressing - feel free to adjust to taste. I like a quite tart dressing so veer more to the vinegar side of vinaigrette.

1 tsp Honey
2 tbsp White Truffle Olive Oil
1 tbsp Muscatel Vinaigrette or other white wine vinegar
Tiny pinch of salt

Heat a griddle or frying pan over a medium heat and brush the mushrooms with a little olive oil and season with a little salt.  Grill for a few minutes each side and set aside.  While the mushrooms are grilling mix together the dressing.  Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.



Lightly dress the rocket with a little of the dressing, leaving some aside.  Pile the rocket on a plate and top with some Parmesan shaving.  Top the salad with the mushrooms and drizzle then with a little of the dressing.


I loved this salad and this may well be my new favourite dressing. It is earthy, yet sweet with just a subtle hint of truffle..  I was a while coming round to truffles but this truffle infused olive oil converted me; Mas Portell White Truffle Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  It is dreamy and just ever so fragrantly infused with white truffle flavour.  If you are in NZ you can get it at the wonderful Sabato along with many, many, other tasty delights.  At the moment I seem to have developed somewhat of an addiction to their roast Marcona Almonds, not to mention all the cheese, salamis, and sweet treats on offer.

The warm mushrooms soak up the dressing, the sweet truffle flavours melding with the earthy mushrooms before a fresh peppery kick from the rocket and to finish the wonderful salty Parmigiano-Reggiano. It would have been perfect with a nice chilled glass of Chardonnay.


If you like this you might like this - Shaved Fennel and Zucchini Salad
One year ago - Possibly the best Chocolate Cake Ever



Enjoy!

10 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place. You're so lucky spring is starting. The temperature is just starting to drop here. Your salad looks delicious. Love the dressing.

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  2. That salad dressing sounds gorgeous, I think I will have to try it with the truffle oil that's sitting in my cupboard waiting for something fun... and I'm getting so excited for salads now that I just planted a whole bunch of salad greens!

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  3. I love that Fall here brings you spring in NZ and we have arugula/rocket as common thread!

    I just know I am going to love your dressing, too! Truffle oil is always in stock in my kitchen.

    Thanks, Mairi!

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  4. Love the photos Mairi, charming! +1!!!

    And the salad, yes, probably less vinegar for me, I am more of "just a drop" type of person, but as you say, doses to be adjusted according to taste :-).
    Have a good week

    Alessandra

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  5. What a gorgeous park you have nearby! Mmmm, I'm thinking of warm mushrooms drinking up vinaigrette now...time for lunch!

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  6. @El Thanks El, very happy Spring has arrived!

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  7. @milliemirepoix Thanks Millie, quite addicted to the truffle oil & I really must get some salad greens planted too.

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  8. @Annapet - The Daily Palette Thanks Annapet :) Loving the arugula/rocket...must make the most of it...summer is gets a little too hot for it.

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  9. @Hannah Thanks Hannah, yes very lucky to have One Tree Hill close by.

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