Spring 2026 | What's in Season

Spring’s Raddest Plants

A bold radish dish to enjoy this season.

written by Kristin Link
illustration by Kristin Link

Story first appeared in edible Alaskaโ€™s Spring 2025 edition

Radishes are one of the first plants I can harvest from my garden each season. If I plant seeds as soon as the ground thaws and keep them under cover, I can enjoy a harvest within a month. I welcome the sharp, spicy crunch, but roasting radishes brings out their sweet earthiness.

There are many types of radishes, from the small, red, round ones, such as Cherry Belle, to purple and black varieties, long white daikons often used in kimchi, and watermelon radishes with their striking pink interiors.

This recipe features a spring-inspired twist on Spanish romesco sauce, traditionally made with red peppers and tomatoes. Here, spring greens add a fresh, slightly bitter flavor, which you can adjust to taste by using fewer greens for a milder sauce. Romesco often includes a slice of stale, crusty bread to thicken it, so feel free to incorporate that if desired. This sauce pairs beautifully with fish or roasted vegetables, or even use it as a sandwich spread.

Print Recipe
SPRING ROASTED RADISHES WITH GREEN ROMESCO
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the radishes

  • 2 pounds of red radishes such as Cherry Belle or French breakfast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For green romesco sauce

  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 small poblano peppers
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • ยผ cup greens spinach, fireweed shoots, or radish greens
  • ยผ cup green herbs spruce tips or parsley
  • ยฝ cup roasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds
  • Juice from 1 lemon about 3 tablespoons
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Dash of smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the radishes

  • Clean and cut radishes in half. Toss radish halves in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Roast at 400 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes. Top radishes with about half of the romesco sauce.

For green romesco sauce

  • Roast garlic and peppers under broiler until blistered.
  • Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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