Colorful Vegetable Bundles

February 26, 2015

A special occasion side dish, since there’s a bit of extra work involved, but on those occasions when you’re cooking with additional care, this is a beauty of a recipe to serve. Flavorful and lovely, this dish will definitely make veg lovers out your guests.

Makes 12-15 bundles

Ingredient List:

  • 5 large carrots, cut into 5-inch long, by 1/2-inch wide, by 1/4-inch thick strips
  • 2 pounds (approx) green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1-2 daikon, cut into 5-inch long, by 1/2-inch wide, by 1/4-inch strips (same number as carrots)
  • 1-2 leeks, outer leaves sliced into 12-15, 5-inch long, by 1/4-inch thick strips
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 stalks fresh basil, leaves removed, finely minced
  • sea salt

Step By Step Instructions:

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook carrots until just tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a plate. In the same water, cook the green beans until bright green and crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a plate. In the same water, cook the daikon until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a plate. Quickly dip the leek strips, just to soften them. Drain and transfer to a kitchen towel and pat dry.

To assemble, divide vegetables equally into 12 bundles of equal number. Gently tie a leek strip around the center of each bundle to secure them.  

Preheat oven to 375o and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Transfer bundles to lined sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with basil and salt and bake until the edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes.