Instructions

VEGAN GLUTEN FREE

SERVES 4 TO 6

This pairing of olives and juicy oranges is yet another brilliant combination of ingredients, dictated by necessity. My Albanian friends explained that the oranges their gardens produced were sour and full of pips, nothing like today’s sweet, lush and pip-less fruits. Paired with salty olives and sweet baby leeks or onions, and often complemented with shredded cabbage, the oranges became a robust and delightful treat.

In the old days, this salad would have been dressed simply with olive oil, the natural tartness of the oranges adding depth to the dish. I compensate for the sweeter oranges you are likely to find with a fragrant verjus or lemon dressing. Fresh or dried mint is the most commonly used herb in Albania, but I also like to add tarragon when available. In place of oranges, thick-skinned sweet lemons, like the ones from Amalfi, are often made into a similar salad.

1.Place the leeks in a bowl, sprinkle generously with salt, add the vinegar and 2 tablespoons water, and toss.  Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2.Peel the oranges, halve them, discard any pips, and remove the hard central membrane with a sharp knife, carefully cut each half into 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) slices. Arrange on a shallow platter and add the olives.

3.Drain the leeks and press between double layers or paper towels to dry. Sprinkle the leeks over the sliced oranges.

4.Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, verjus, a pinch of salt (keep in mind that olives are usually  quite salty), the Maras pepper, and the tarragon. Taste, correct the seasoning, pour over salad, and serve.

NOTES: You can substitute 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon white wine for the verjus, if you like.

If you cannot find fresh tarragon you can substitute 3 tablespoons mint leaves.

From AGLAIA KREMEZI’s cookbook “MEDITERRANEAN VEGETARIAN FEASTS”