Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 1 bunch watercress (8 ounces)
  • 34 teaspoon sea salt
  • 12 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 14 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cold pressed mildly flavored oil
  • 20 slices daikon radishes, in curls or 20 slices fresh hearts of palm, thin
  • 8 slices carrots, in curls

Method

  • Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet and set aside.
  • Remove leaves from watercress and reserve in large mixing bowl.
  • Coarsely chop larger stems borrowing smaller stems to measure 1/2 cup stems in saucepan with just enough water to cover.
  • Bring stems to a quick boil, drain and plunge into ice water.
  • Drain stems well, squeezing out all moisture, and place in blender.
  • Add salt, pepper, vinegar and oil; puree.
  • Finely mince remaining stems and mix with dressing.
  • Pour stems and dressing over leaves, adding half the sesame seeds.
  • Garnish with daikon and carrot; sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds and serve.