This is a different take on a Valencian salad, normally made with oranges. This is the simplest of dishes and makes the most of the season’s fresh offerings, with minimal preparation — perfect for the hot days of summer. Hit the farmers’ market and select plums that are sweet, such as black plums or Mirabelles. Their sweet flavour truly shines in fresh preparations. Measure, or don’t — what’s important is to taste as you go.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 plums
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 bulb fennel
- 2 tablespoons mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or more to taste
- Maldon salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Preparation
In a pan over medium-low heat, toast almonds until golden brown. Tip almonds out of pan and set aside on a plate to cool. Slice the fennel very thinly either by hand or using mandoline. Remove the stones from the plums and slice each halve into 6 to 8 slices. Arrange the fennel and plums on a larger platter and drizzle olive oil over the plums. Stack and roll the mint leaves into a cigar and finely slice. Sprinkle the mint over the salad and top with the almonds. Sprinkle with Maldon salt and fresh pepper to taste.
