Saturday, October 16, 2010

Salad for Susanna

You probably already know that I enjoy cooking. I enjoy being creative and the challenge of figuring out recipes on my own. I enjoy the time to think while I'm in the kitchen. I enjoy making guests happy. And I really enjoy eating! Some of my favorite hours in life have been sharing with friends around a table.

Someone asked me last week what my specialty is. I thought for a moment and the only answer I could come up with is making something up out of whatever is in the frig at the moment. I often deviate from recipes and make substitutions. This salad has been one of my favorites since I moved to Ukraine, but it was not until a friend brought the recipe over to make for a New Year's Eve celebration that I have been able to make it on my own. Since then I haven't felt the need to alter it at all.

This recipe is for my friend Susanna who has lived in Ukraine for the last two years. She is leaving Kyiv in a week and I will miss the times around the table drinking tea, discussing life as an expat and thinking about how to live well.

Korean* Carrot Salad

1 kilogram grated/shredded carrots
4 tablespoons oil
4 tablespoons vinegar
4 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 head of garlic, minced

Mix all the ingredients together. Let sit for one hour before serving.

*I am not entirely sure why this Ukrainian salad is considered Korean. I never had anything similar to it during my two years in Korea. However, Korea is a large country and there are many regional dishes, so I could have just missed it. If any of my Ukrainian or Korean friends have an explanation, I'd love to hear it.