You know I'm always looking for something new and unique in food, and here's another one of my finds. Sea beans, also knowns as salicornia, can often be found in grocery stores or farmers' markets, usually in a box near the mushroom section. They're mysterious short stalks of a dark green vegetable. It looks like something you might find washed up on the beach. Sea beans grow wild in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. It is not seaweed, as often described, nor is it cactus, which it slightly resembles. Eaten raw or cooked, its flavor can best be described as sea salty intense, with a sort of grassy asparagus aftertaste. When fresh, Sea Beans are crunchy like snap peas. They are very pricy, but might be nice to try for a change. Here's a recipe I found for Sea Beans, Porcini and Walnut Salad.
Sea Beans, Porcini and Walnut Salad.
Blanch the sea beans in boiling water for about 1 minute, then put in an ice bath for another minute.
Slice porcini mushrooms, cook on stove top over medium heat in olive oil, salt and pepper for about 4 minutes. When tender, add the blanched sea beans and some chopped raw walnuts. You may need to add a little fresh lemon juice to balance out the salty flavor. Top with some shaved parmesean or goat cheese for a unique side dish with any grilled fish. Let me know what you think. Enjoy.
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