Garlicky Preserved Daikon and Carrot
- 1 1/2 pounds daikons, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 1/2 pound carrots, each about 1 inch in diameter, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 to 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 large cloves garlic, sliced
- Put the daikons and carrots in a bowl and toss well with the salt.
- Set aside for 3 hours to allow the vegetables to weep.
- Drain in a colander and rinse with cold running water.
- Pat dry.
- Set the oven to the lowest possible heat setting, which is usually warm or 175F.
- You want a temperature of between 140 and 160F, so hang an oven thermometer where it can be easily read and keep the oven door open the entire time.
- For drying racks, use 2 wire racks, covering each with a layer of cheesecloth to prevent the vegetables from falling through.
- Lay the vegetables flat on the racks.
- To maximize air circulation, place the drying racks directly on the oven racks and run the exhaust fan.
- Let the vegetables dry for about 2 hours, checking the oven temperature every 30 minutes.
- The vegetables are ready when they are about one-third their original size and barely damp to the touch.
- Each chewy piece should be 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick.
- Together they should weigh about 4 1/2 ounces and fill 1 1/4 cups.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
- Add enough of the fish sauce to create a pleasant sweet-and savory flavor.
- Cover and set aside.
- When the vegetables are dried, put them in a bowl and cover with warm water.
- Squeeze gently a few times and then drain in a colander, squeezing again to remove excess saltiness.
- Return the vegetables to the bowl and toss with the garlic.
- Pack them into a 1-pint jar and pour in the fish sauce solution.
- Push the vegetables down so they are covered with liquid.
- Set aside, uncovered, until cool.
- Cover the jar and refrigerate the vegetables for 4 days before eating.
- They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
- If they get too salty, rinse briefly with water before eating.
daikons, carrots, salt, sugar, water, fish sauce, garlic
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/garlicky-preserved-daikon-and-carrot-382923 (may not work)