Recipes

Fennel and Citrus Salad with Charred Squid

  • Serves

    serves 4-6

  • Cook

    50 minutes

RYAN LIEBE

By Kim Alter


Published on January 1, 2016

The zest and segments, sometimes called supremes (see: How to Segment Citrus), of four types of in-season citrus enliven shaved fennel and charred squid in this winter salad. The dressing is made with the citrus juices and an entire puréed poached lemon. Sugar tames the lemon's bitterness, while the peel and pith add a tingly bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole lemon, plus the finely grated zest and segments of 2 lemons, juices reserved
  • 1 cup plus 2 tsp. sugar
  • Finely grated zest and segments of 2 grapefruits, 2 oranges, and 1 lime, juices reserved
  • 14 cup olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bulb fennel, halved, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 12 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 12 oz. cleaned squid bodies and tentacles, bodies cut into 3/4-inch rings

Instructions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, cover the whole lemon with water and bring to a boil. Drain the lemon, return it to the pan and repeat boiling the lemon two more times with fresh water and drain. In the saucepan, bring the lemon, 1 cup sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer the lemon to a blender along with 6 tablespoons of the syrup and purée until smooth; discard the remaining syrup. Pour and press the purée through a fine sieve into a bowl and discard the solids. Stir the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar into the purée along with all the citrus zests and juices and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cover the fennel and onion with ice water and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to paper towels to dry thoroughly. Transfer the fennel and onion to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Lift the fennel and onion from the dressing and transfer to a large serving platter. Arrange all the citrus segments evenly over the fennel and onion and drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top.

Step 3

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high for 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl the skillet to coat. Add the squid and cook, without stirring, until lightly charred, about 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, spoon the squid over the salad, and serve immediately.

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