Pinzimonio with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 carrots, cut into sticks 2 carrots, cut into sticks
• 2 cucumbers, sliced 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 celery stalk, cut into sticks 1 celery stalk, cut into sticks
• 1 radicchio, leaves separated 1 radicchio, leaves separated
• For the dipping sauce: For the dipping sauce:
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml)
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5g) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5g)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15ml) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (5g) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (5g)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to make the dipping sauce. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Arrange the carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper slices, fennel slices, celery sticks, and radicchio leaves on a platter.
3. 3.
   Serve the vegetables with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
4. 4.
   Enjoy by dipping the vegetables into the sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Carrots — Choose fresh and firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Peel them before cutting into sticks.
• Cucumbers — Use English cucumbers or any variety with thin skin for a crisp texture. If using regular cucumbers, peel them and remove the seeds before slicing.
• Bell pepper — Select a bell pepper with vibrant color and a firm texture. Remove the seeds and white pith before slicing.
• Fennel — Look for fennel bulbs that are firm and have bright green fronds. Slice the bulb thinly for a delicate crunch.
• Celery — Choose celery stalks that are crisp and have a bright green color. Cut them into sticks for easy dipping.
• Radicchio — Separate the leaves carefully to maintain their shape and vibrant color.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier dipping sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Experiment with different herbs such as basil or mint to customize the dipping sauce to your taste.
• Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Serve the Pinzimonio with crusty bread or grissini for a heartier appetizer.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or radishes to the platter for more variety.

Serving advice

Arrange the colorful vegetables on a large platter, creating an inviting display. Place the dipping sauce in a small bowl in the center of the platter. Encourage guests to dip the vegetables into the sauce and savor the vibrant flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, use a variety of serving dishes or bowls to hold the different vegetables. Arrange them in a visually appealing pattern, alternating colors and shapes. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.