Butter Poached Radishes | The Tale of Peter Rabbit
First he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes; and then, feeling rather sick, he went to look for some parsley.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter
I can’t seem to stop falling down this nostalgia rabbit hole. Every single Beatrix Potter tale I read is bringing back a fresh wave of memories from my childhood days. So much that I’ve booked in to get a little tattoo done of Benjamin Bunny himself, my favourite character from any of the woodland animal tales.
I’m quite nicely situated in Melbourne, in a beautiful suburb within walking distance to the city. It has the fortune of hosting a local farmer’s market every Sunday that is worth a stroll through even if you don’t really need anything. I always find myself picking up the oddest vegetables and having to experiment with them later on. Which has resulted in realising that spaghetti squash is so delicious and I’m so bitter that barely anywhere in Melbourne seems to ever have it in stock.
Last Sunday I picked up some heirloom tomatoes, a rainbow mixture of zucchinis and some crisp radishes. Instantly my mind went back to The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and Peter’s foray of thievery through Mr. McGregor’s garden. I’ve already made some blackberry and apple muffins inspired by the children’s story - but the radishes drew out a more savoury option.
These butter poached radishes are a perfect accompaniment to a meal, as a side or even just a snack. They are so delicious with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Butter Poached Radishes
Serves 5 as a side dish
Ingredients
10 - 12 radishes, with the stems and greens cut off
1 cup melted butter
1 - 2 cups water
Sea salt
Black pepper
Arrange the radishes into a thick bottomed pan and pour in the melted butter and enough of the water so that the radishes are just covered.
Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
Bring the pan to a boil and then reduce to a low heat to continue simmering. Have a little taste of the poaching liquid at this time and add in more salt or pepper if necessary.
Allow to simmer for approximately 10 - 15 minutes or until radishes are soft and losing their bright red colour (though, mine did not really for some reason). During this time remember to turn the radishes in the pan so all sides poach evenly.
Serve the radishes with a little of the poaching liquid and a sprinkle of salt. Best served straight away!