Top chef fruit salad

This salad was inspired by the winning recipe on a Top Chef-style TV show that aired in France. The fruit is sliced very thinly and arranged à la carpaccio, the classic Italian dish of raw shaved beef. 

Serves: 2 – Prep Time: 15 min

Equipment:

For the salad:

  • 1/2 banana peeled
  • 6 strawberries washed and dried
  • 1 kiwi peeled
  • 1/2 orange peeled
  • For the syrup:
  • 1/4 c (60 ml) water
  • 1/3 c (60g) sugar
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split
  • Pinch cinnamon
  • Pinch ginger
  • Fresh mint, finely chopped

Directions for the syrup:

  1. In a saucepan combine the water, sugar. Scrape in the vanilla seeds. Add the cinnamon and ginger. 
  2. Place over medium-high heat, stirring to melt the sugar. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let it steep.

Directions for the salad:

  1. With a mandoline slicer, slice all the fruit into thin (1/4-inch) slices. Arrange the fruit carpaccio-style on a plate. 
  2. Just before serving, use a pastry brush to cover the fruit with the syrup. Garnish with the chopped fresh mint.