Chicory, Orange & Walnut Salad

Chicory is a perennial herbaceous plant that is slightly bitter and popular in winter salads. The individual leaves can also be separated out and used with dips or they can be cooked to give them a completely different flavour. For this recipe, a hint of sweetness from the oranges suits chicory well.

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Photographer: Roddy Paine

Serves 4

2 heads of chicory
2 oranges, segmented
40g / 1 1/2 oz walnut pieces
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
5 tbsp olive oil
pinch of sugar
salt and ground black pepper
fresh parsley to garnish

1- Separate the heads of chicory lengthwise into individual leaves.
2- Put the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a screw top jar and shake well to mix. 
3- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning.
4- Pour the dressing over the salad leaves.
5- Scatter the chicory with the oranges and walnuts. 
6- Garnish with parsley.

This would make a wonderful starter for a St. Patrick's Day lunch. Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland, who was credited in bringing Christianity to Ireland. It is celebrated on March 17th which is the anniversary of his death in the 5th century.

The longest running Saint Patrick's Day Parade in North America occurs each year in Montreal, whose city flag includes a shamrock in it's lower-right quadrant.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!