Spiced Orange Salad
James Carrier
Yields Makes 6 servings
Notes: Juice-orange slices hold together better than those from navel oranges. If you are using a hot onion, put slices in a bowl and mix with 4 cups cold water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt; gently squeeze the slices, separating the rings. Let stand 10 minutes, then drain, rinse, and drain again.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

With a small, sharp knife, cut peel and white membrane from oranges. Slice the oranges crosswise 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and discard seeds.

Step 2
2

In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons vinegar with olive oil and sugar. Stir in the spice blend.

Step 3
3

In a wide, shallow bowl, gently mix orange slices, onions, slivered mint, and chopped cilantro. Pour in dressing and mix gently. Taste and add salt and more vinegar if desired.

Step 4
4

Scatter olives, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves over the top. Spoon salad and dressing onto plates.

Step 5
5

Spice blend: Combine 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds or ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika or mild ground dried chili, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1/4 teaspoon curry powder, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; if using whole spices, whirl mixture in a grinder or small food processor to a powder.

Ingredients

 6 oranges (about 2 1/2 in. wide, 2 1/2 lb. total; see notes)
 4 to 6 tablespoons white wine vinegar
 1 tablespoon olive oil
 1 teaspoon sugar
  Spice blend (recipe follows)
 1 mild red onion (6 oz.), peeled and sliced (see notes)
 1/2 cup finely slivered fresh mint leaves
 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  Salt
  About 1/2 cup black olives such as Niçoise or kalamata
  Fresh mint leaves and fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed

Directions

Step 1
1

With a small, sharp knife, cut peel and white membrane from oranges. Slice the oranges crosswise 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and discard seeds.

Step 2
2

In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons vinegar with olive oil and sugar. Stir in the spice blend.

Step 3
3

In a wide, shallow bowl, gently mix orange slices, onions, slivered mint, and chopped cilantro. Pour in dressing and mix gently. Taste and add salt and more vinegar if desired.

Step 4
4

Scatter olives, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves over the top. Spoon salad and dressing onto plates.

Step 5
5

Spice blend: Combine 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds or ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika or mild ground dried chili, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1/4 teaspoon curry powder, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; if using whole spices, whirl mixture in a grinder or small food processor to a powder.

Spiced Orange Salad

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