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Porcini and Celery Salad

5.0

(5)

This delicate salad, combining crisp celery and tender fresh porcini, grew out of the memories of two food editors — Zanne Stewart and Alexis Touchet — of similar ones they had enjoyed at restaurants in Italy. (Surprisingly, they were in different regions and traveling 20 years apart.)

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 min

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

5 large celery ribs
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound fresh porcini mushrooms (sometimes called cèpes)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 6-ounce piece Parmigiano-Reggiano

Special Equipment

a Japanese Benriner or other adjustable-blade slicer

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel outer strings from celery ribs with a sharp paring knife, then cut ribs on a 45-degree angle into paper-thin slices with slicer.

    Step 2

    Stir together 1 quart water and 1 tablespoon salt in a bowl until salt is dissolved. Add celery and soak 15 minutes, then drain in a colander. Spread celery evenly on a clean kitchen towel. Gently roll up towel and let stand 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Wipe mushrooms with paper towels to remove any dirt or grit. Keeping stems attached, trim any discoloration from stems with paring knife.

    Step 4

    Cut mushrooms into paper-thin slices with slicer and transfer to a large bowl. Add celery, lemon juice, oil, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and gently toss with your hands.

    Step 5

    Divide salad among 6 plates. Just before serving, use a vegetable peeler to shave cheese to taste over each salad.

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