Raddish Salad (Kazakh Shalgam)

Shalgam is a traditional salad originating from Kazahstan. It is typically prepared with a combination of grated radish, carrots, bell peppers, onions,and garlic. The salad is dressed with a combination of white wine vinegar, sugar, oil, salt and cayenne pepper. The ingredients are mixed together, combined with the dressing and the salad is then tossed and served, either cold or at room temperature. It is recommended to serve it as an accompaniment to beshbarmak, a traditional meat dish.

Salad:
1 daikon radish, grated into thin strips
1 carrot, grated into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thinly
1 white onion, cut thinly
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dressing:
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
¼ tsp. cayenne, or more if you like it hot
½ tsp. sea salt

In a bowl, mix all the salad ingredients together.

In a small bowl put in all the dressing ingredients and whisk together.

Pour dressing over salad and toss.

Serve cold or room temperature.

Makes 4 servings.