Radish Salad

Serves 4 as side salads; 15 minutes

1 pound radishes (about 25)--trimmed, cut into large bite-size pieces and chilled

1 small handful basil leaves (about 1 cup)
Maldon or other flaky sea salt
1 (2 1/2-ounce) piece Parmesan cheese, cut into slices, some thick and some thin
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
2 small handfuls arugula (about 2 cups) or mesclun

1. In a large bowl, combine the radishes with the basil and 3 healthy pinches of salt. Using your hands, grab handfuls of the mixture and press the basil and salt against the radishes for about 30 seconds to release the basil's aromatic oils.

2. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix again with your hands until some of the cheese is creamy, some is in little chunks and some is still in larger dime-sized chunks.

3. Add the olive oil and lemon juice and toss well. Season with salt and additional lemon juice, if desired. Add the arugula and toss gently but thoroughly. Scatter the salad on a large plate or serving platter and serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from "A Girl and Her Pig" by April Bloomfield and JJ Goode (Ecco)