Asian Pear and Watercress Salad with Sesame Dressing

From Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association, www.pcfma.com

Serves 6                                                        

• 1 ½-inch-thick slice of fresh ginger, peeled
• ¼ cup Asian sesame paste
 (or tahini)
• 3 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon Asian chili paste with garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 medium Asian pears
• 4 cups watercress, trimmed
• 1 carrot, finely shredded

Process first 8 ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Peel pear and cut into julienne strips, then transfer to a bowl.
 Add watercress to the bowl, season with salt and pepper as desired, and toss gently.

Divide among plates, then drizzle with some dressing and sprinkle with carrot right before serving.