{ just a bite to start the week }
{ raw vegan, makes about 12 amuse bouche }
One great thing about living in Florida is that otherwise seasonal produce, like tomatoes, are available locally and year round. I found a great stock of sweet grape tomatoes at the farmer’s market over the weekend, from Boynton Beach. It’s been a pretty chilly winter here, so getting hold of some tomatoes like these gives nice thoughts of warmer weather.
Sea lettuce is a delicate, very mild tasting sea vegetable that’s perfect for the sea veg curious, and the squeamish. It’s not the least bit slimy (as sometimes pictured in the minds of the seaweed skeptics) and really needs no preparation, like soaking. Its paper-like, sweet disposition doesn’t compete with whatever you choose to eat it with, rather it compliments other ingredients quite well. Maine Coast Sea Vegetables (I <3 them), harvester of sea lettuces and many other great sea veggies, is available at Sunfood.com.
This little tartare is so easy, fast, and pretty. Using a food processor, I (1) finely chopped a pint of sweet grape tomatoes. (2) Drained them in a seive, transfered to a bowl, and sprinkled liberally with Himalayan garlic sea salt. (3) Added finely minced scallions, a touch of grated ginger, a dousing of Eden Shake, and a drizzle of Eden ponzu. (4) Spooned a teaspoon of tartare on top of a piece of torn sea lettuce and garnished with meyer lemon zest. Voilà!
<3, JMK
