Citrus and Avocado with Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette
Makes 4 servings
This pretty salad is from Deborah Madison’s newest cookbook, “In My Kitchen.”
6 oranges, different varieties, preferably seedless
1 small clove garlic Sea salt Grated zest of 2 limes 3 tablespoons lime juice
2 green onions, including an inch or so of the greens, finely sliced
1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño chile (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1⁄21 teaspoon coriander seeds ⁄4 teaspoon dry mustard
1⁄4 teaspoons sweet paprika 4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro 1 large ripe but firm avocado
2 handfuls finely shredded radicchio, napa cabbage, or romaine lettuce
1⁄4 cup pistachio nuts
Prepare oranges: Take a slice off the stem end and flower end of each orange so that the fruit stands on a cutting board without wobbling. Using a sharp knife, slice down the sides, cutting just beneath the white pith. (Sometimes it takes a few strokes to get under it.) When you’ve removed most of the pith, hold the orange in your hand and slice off any patches that remain, then slice the fruit into rounds about 1⁄4 inch thick. Do this with all the oranges and put the slices in a shallow bowl. (If you wish to include thin slices of kumquats with their skins, do so.) Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Make dressing: Begin by pounding the garlic in a mortar with 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt until it’s smooth, after half a minute or so. Add the lime zest, juice, green onions and chile, if using. Set aside.
Toast cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet until aromatic, then turn them out on a plate to cool briefly. Grind them to a powder in a spice grinder. Add them, along with the rest of the spices, to the mortar and then whisk in the oil and add the cilantro. Taste a little dressing on a piece of orange to make sure the balance is right.
To finish salad: Halve the avocado, scoop out the flesh, cut it lengthwise into slices, and lay them on the oranges.
Pour the dressing over all, then scatter the shredded greens and pistachios over the top. Present the salad like this, but toss it a bit as you serve it so that everything is well mixed.