There are few things more fabulous than a dish that requires no cooking but delivers maximum elegance. This Hearts of Palm Carpaccio is the epitome of fresh, vibrant flavor. Tender, thinly sliced hearts of palm are marinated in luscious olive oil, drizzled with bright citrus juice, and strewn with fresh lemon thyme leaves. It’s hard to beat a preparation like this for simplicity. The hearts of palm literally melt in your mouth, with the olive oil providing a decadent richness. This is the perfect way to start a light warm-weather meal.
Ingredients
• (Serves 4)
• ½ cup / 120 ml freshly squeezed blood orange juice, divided
• 8 tablespoons / 120 ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ½ cup / 100g blood orange segments
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400g) whole hearts of palm, drained and patted dry
• ½ cup / 50g very thinly shaved fennel bulb
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon thyme leaves
• Fleur de sel or flaky sea salt
• Grains of paradise or freshly cracked black pepper
• Fennel pollen, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. First, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup (60 ml) of the blood orange juice, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the olive oil, and the blood orange segments. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. While the vinaigrette marinates, prepare the hearts of palm. Slice them crosswise into very thin rounds, about ⅛-inch (3mm) thick. Season the slices with salt and grains of paradise to taste, and rub gently with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the olive oil.
3. In a separate small bowl, toss the shaved fennel with the remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) blood orange juice, the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
4. To assemble, create a small mound of the shaved fennel salad in the center of each of 4 serving plates. Artfully layer the hearts of palm slices over and around the fennel.
5. Spoon a few of the marinated orange segments around the hearts of palm, and drizzle each plate with about 2 tablespoons of the blood orange vinaigrette.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of fennel pollen, a few more grinds of grains of paradise, and the fresh lemon thyme leaves. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Highlights
• This dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
• Low in calories and rich in dietary fiber from the hearts of palm and fennel.
• Blood oranges provide a wonderful boost of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• A light, plant-based appetizer that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Carpaccio
• For paper-thin, uniform slices, use a mandoline to shave both the fennel and the hearts of palm.
• If you can’t find blood oranges, Cara Cara or navel oranges work beautifully. For a different citrus kick, try grapefruit.
• Fresh dill or tarragon are fantastic herbal substitutes if you don’t have lemon thyme.
• The vinaigrette can be made a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and let it come to room temperature before dressing the carpaccio.
• Grains of paradise have a unique floral, peppery note. If unavailable, freshly cracked pink or black peppercorns are a great substitute.
FAQ
Q: How can I add protein to this vegetarian carpaccio
A: To make this a more substantial dish, you can easily add a protein boost. Sprinkle on some toasted pistachios, slivered almonds, or hemp hearts for a delightful crunch and added protein. For a heartier salad, consider adding a handful of rinsed chickpeas or cannellini beans.
Q: Can I make hearts of palm carpaccio ahead of time
A: This dish is best assembled right before serving to maintain its fresh texture. However, you can prep the components in advance. The blood orange vinaigrette can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. You can also shave the fennel and keep it in cold water to stay crisp. Slice the hearts of palm just before you’re ready to plate.
Q: What can I use instead of blood oranges or lemon thyme
A: Absolutely! If you can’t find blood oranges, Cara Cara or navel oranges are excellent substitutes. For a different citrus profile, try grapefruit. For herbs, fresh dill or tarragon work beautifully in place of lemon thyme.
Q: What are grains of paradise and is there a substitute
A: Grains of paradise are a unique spice with floral, citrusy, and peppery notes, similar to a complex black pepper. If you can’t find them, freshly cracked black or pink peppercorns are a perfect and easily accessible substitute that will still provide a wonderful flavor.
