Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups Brussels sprouts
  • 3/4 cup frisee
  • 1 tablespoon julienned Pickled Red Onions, recipe follows
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 radish, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cranberries, soaked in red wine
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled pork rind
  • 2 tablespoons Tamarind Vinaigrette, recipe follows
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon chile seasoning powder, such as Tajin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated manchego cheese
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3/4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
  • 1/4 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch dried red pepper flakes
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup tamarind puree
  • 2 tablespoons red wine or sherry vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Method

  • Using a saute pan, preheat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  • Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and split in half from top to bottom.
  • When the oil just begins to smoke, carefully add the halved Brussels sprouts to the pan.
  • Saute until they are slightly crispy and brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove the Brussels sprouts from the pan and let them drain for about 3 minutes on a dry paper towel.
  • In a mixing bowl, place the fried sprouts, frisee, Pickled Red Onion, parsley leaves and radishes and toss.
  • Add the cranberries, crumbled pork rind and Tamarind Vinaigrette.
  • Toss well.
  • Season with the cilantro leaves, seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Toss again.
  • Arrange the salad in a long oval salad bowl.
  • Bring the cilantro leaves to the top of the salad.
  • Garnish with the manchego cheese grated over the salad.
  • Combine the vinegar, 1/4 cup water, the sugar, oregano, salt, black pepper, pepper flakes, cloves and bay leaf in a heavy medium saucepan and set it over medium-high heat.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, and then add the onion slices, separating them into individual rings.
  • Let the mixture come back to a boil, and then reduce the heat and cook until the onions soften and wilt, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover and let the mixture cool completely.
  • Transfer the onions and their pickling liquid to a quart-size glass jar or divide among plastic containers.
  • Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Makes about 1 cup.
  • Add the puree, vinegar and salt to a metal bowl.
  • Slowly whisk in the oil.
  • Makes about 1 3/4 cup.