There are times that I’m very good at using up all of the food in my fridge before it goes bad and then there are times where the fridge becomes a vegetable graveyard. I try to be as resourceful and waste as little as possible by pickling, fermenting, trying new cooking methods, etc. Once I’ve exausghted all of those options it just becomes a challenge to figure out exactly what’s next. Luckily for me I’m good at trying weird things and cooking radishes was next on the list.
I’ve pickled them, I’ve fermented them, heck I usually eat them raw. So why in my right mind would I want to cook them in a pan because that’s just sacrilegious and weird. At least according to my mom it was, keyword being “was”. I’ve tried cooking them plain but didn’t allow anyone to taste them in fear that they would taste horrible, and well, they were bland to say the least. Lucky for me I found a recipe on Bon Appetit that used bacon in it. Of course, because bacon fixes everything!
I don’t really know a lot of people that don’t like bacon. In fact I even know some “vegetarians” that have their “cheats” which usually happen to be bacon. Which as a side note in my opinion is a slightly peculiar way to live. If you want bacon in your life then make it a part of your life, plus it’s good for you. And if you don’t like bacon please check yo self because I don’t know if it’s healthy to live with that kind of negativity.
The discussion of bacon could go on and on, especially when I’m on the stage talking about it. Believe me, I’ve had conversations about bacon at my book tour events that never really ended because people kept asking questions about bacon. The only sad but legitimate truth is that I don’t eat it all that often other than when I’m cooking with it. You still can’t judge me about that though because I’m still using it. And thank goodness because it’s my last few weeks of highschool and if bacon wasn’t here to support me then I would probably break down in a puddle of tears. Baconless tears.
- 2 bunches radishes stems removed and sliced in half
- 5 ounces of bacon chopped into ½ inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional balsamic vinegar for finishing
- In a medium sized skilled cook bacon on medium heat while stirring often until most of the fat has rendered out and it starts to become crispy. Carefully remove the bacon leaving as much bacon fat in the pan as possible.
- Increase the heat to medium high heat and add radishes to the pan and season with salt and pepper while trying to have as many of them cut side down as possible for 3-4 minutes. Toss the radishes and add rosemary continue cooking for 8-10 more minutes while alternating from medium high and medium heat to prevent excessive smoking until the radishes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Reduce heat to medium, garlic cloves over radishes and toss once more and allow to cook for about 1 more minute, then serve with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if using.
Such a neat idea! We are the same way with our fridge sometimes, and it’s fun to get creative!
This looks so amazing! I can’t wait for my radishes to come up so I can make it 🙂
These look great! I really love roasted radishes so might try these out! I’m sure the spicy radish will taste great with the salty bacon!
I call it “produce guilt”.
Interesting recipe, looks great
Great recipe. I’m not fond of the spiciness of raw radishes, I do like pickled. This makes another alternative for these lovely orbs. Pan fried reminds me of potatoes, I’ll have to try shredded now!
I was with your Mom – until I discovered that thinly sliced radishes are just great in a stir-fry; spicy with a bit of crunch! Keep up the good work, Slim…
I have never been a radish fan of any kind, but this recipe looks so good! I can’t wait to try it.
Can you suggest a substitute for the rosemary?
Well you can sub any herb you like, maybe thyme? Although whatever herb that isn’t rosemary obviously isn’t going to taste like rosemary.
This looks and sounds like it smells and taste great. I also have tried many ways to use radishes. My favorite so far was when I pulled the last of the carrots and radishes out of the garden and coming up with this idea, I cleaned and sliced both, put them into a med. hot pan with extra virgin olive oil,dead sea salt w/ rosemary and pepper. After they were heated through and soft I was eating them before finishing dinner. I’ll try your version. Enjoy!