Ivorian-inspired Fresh Vegetable Platter

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese dish, Đĩa rau sống, focuses on the freshness of raw vegetables, this Ivorian adaptation adds a unique twist by incorporating Ivorian flavors and ingredients. The dressing is tailored to Ivorian taste preferences, featuring tangy and zesty elements that complement the vegetables. Additionally, the selection of vegetables may vary to include locally available produce in Ivory Coast. We alse have the original recipe for Đĩa rau sống, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) julienned carrots 2 cups (300g) julienned carrots
• 2 cups (300g) thinly sliced cucumbers 2 cups (300g) thinly sliced cucumbers
• 2 cups (300g) shredded cabbage 2 cups (300g) shredded cabbage
• 1 cup (150g) bean sprouts 1 cup (150g) bean sprouts
• 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup (150g) sliced radishes 1 cup (150g) sliced radishes
• 1 cup (150g) sliced red onions 1 cup (150g) sliced red onions
• 1 cup (150g) chopped fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and parsley) 1 cup (150g) chopped fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and parsley)
• 1 cup (150g) roasted peanuts, crushed 1 cup (150g) roasted peanuts, crushed
• For the dressing: For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated ginger 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, bean sprouts, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, red onions, and fresh herbs.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts over the vegetable platter.
5. 5.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Ivorian-inspired fresh vegetable platter.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Carrots — For a more tender texture, blanch the julienned carrots in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the vegetable platter.
• Cucumbers — Remove the seeds from the cucumbers to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs based on your personal preference.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a spicy kick, sprinkle some finely chopped chili peppers over the vegetable platter.
• For a more substantial meal, serve the vegetable platter with grilled chicken or fish.
• Customize the dressing by adding a dash of Ivorian hot sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different combinations of vegetables based on seasonal availability.
• To enhance the presentation, arrange the vegetables in an aesthetically pleasing pattern on the platter.

Serving advice

Serve the Ivorian-inspired fresh vegetable platter as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside Ivorian main courses. It pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light accompaniment to a hearty Ivorian stew.

Presentation advice

Arrange the vibrant vegetables in a visually appealing manner on a large platter. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and crushed peanuts for an added touch of elegance. Serve the dressing on the side or drizzle it over the vegetables just before serving for a beautiful presentation.