Tomato 'Nduja Fennel Salad
SERVES 4
MADE WITH TOMATO ‘NDUJA
INGREDIENTS
1 (heaping) tablespoon spicy Tomato ‘Nduja
1 large fennel bulb (or 2 small), about 1 to 1 1/4 pounds in total, fronds reserved
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided, plus more to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans, from a 16-ounce can (drained and rinsed)
8 ounces burrata, at room temperature
Photo by Ty Mecham
PREPARATION
Trim the fennel, cut the bulb in half, and remove any bruised or discolored outer layers. Cut out the core from each half. Slice the fennel paper thin (cutting lengthwise from root to stalk end) with a sharp knife or mandoline. Place fennel in a bowl, and toss with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, and a big pinch of sea salt. Let marinate while preparing the rest of the salad.
In non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add Tomato ‘nduja so it melts into the olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and stir to combine. Taste vinaigrette, adjusting salt and acidity to taste.
Add cannellini beans, and stir well to evenly coat in the Tomato ‘nduja vinaigrette. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the beans start to gently sizzle and are completely warmed through, stirring frequently.
Add the contents of the skillet (scraping the sides to get all of the Tomato ‘nduja vinaigrette) to the bowl with the fennel. Toss to evenly incorporate. Let cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, then arrange the salad on a serving platter and top with the burrata.
Garnish with fennel fronds, and drizzle remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil over the top, if desired.
