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Nibbles for six

Cantonese cooks have devised this master marinade for “quick-pickling” vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, or turnips. You can re-use the marinade by adding more vegetables.

8 slices fresh ginger, about the size of a quarter, smashed with the flat edge of a knife or cleaver

1 cup clear rice vinegar

1 cup sugar

1 ½ pounds package baby carrots

¾ pound parsnips

1. Mix together the ginger, rice vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2. Peel the parsnips and roll-cut into ½-inch sections, cutting the vegetables, on the diagonal, rolling half a turn, and cutting again. Cut the thicker section of the parsnip in half. Add the pieces to the bowls with the carrots and toss lightly to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, tossing occasionally or overnight for more flavor. Serve chilled. (These will keep for at least 1 week in the refrigerator.)

© Nina Simonds 2008.