Fresh and Flavorful Carrot Râpé
Carrot Râpé: French Salad Made Easy and Delicious at Home
Meaning ‘grated’ or ‘shredded’ in French, Carrot Râpé is a French-style salad made by finely shredding fresh carrots and dressing them in a flavorful sauce. It’s not a salad meant to be eaten immediately after preparation, but rather a preserved salad, similar to tomato confit, that can be stored and enjoyed over time. It’s wonderful served as a side salad, as a filling for sandwiches, or alongside roasted meats. Despite its somewhat sophisticated name, this recipe is surprisingly simple and approachable for any home cook.
Main Ingredients- 330 grams fresh carrots
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2-3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash and peel the carrots. Using the shredding disc of a food processor or the large holes of a grater, finely shred the carrots. A mandoline slicer is also excellent for achieving uniform, attractive shreds. Shredding them as finely as possible is key to achieving the right texture for râpé.
Step 2
In a bowl, gently toss the shredded carrots with 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This salting process helps to draw out excess moisture from the carrots, ensuring a crispier texture and allowing them to absorb the flavors better.
Step 3
After salting, firmly squeeze out all the liquid from the shredded carrots with your hands. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to maintain a good consistency for the dressing.
Step 4
To the squeezed carrots, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 2-3 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the carrots are evenly coated with the dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar to your taste.
Step 5
Taste the mixture and, if desired, add a touch of sugar to balance the flavors. The carrots have natural sweetness, but a little extra sweetness can enhance the overall taste. Honey or agave nectar can also be used.
Step 6
Transfer the finished carrot râpé to an airtight container and refrigerate. Allowing it to chill for at least 30 minutes will help the flavors meld beautifully and enhance its refreshing quality.
Step 7
While delicious on its own, you can also elevate this dish by adding finely julienned apple (about 1/4 apple). Tossing the apple with the carrot râpé creates a delightful ‘Carrot Apple Salad’ with a refreshing crispness. It’s also fantastic as a spread for bread or as a component in sandwiches.
