This is a great little salad that can be used as either a starter or a main dish.  Pioppino mushrooms have a mild flavor with a long stem and small button on top and are light to dark brown in appearance.  They can be found in farmer’s markets and at specialty food stores.  If you have difficulty finding them, simply substitute your favorite mushroom.  The watercress with its pepper flavor and almost vine like appearance provides a nice balance in color and flavor to the mushrooms.  The pickled red onion simply adds a bit of color and a touch of acidity.  If you don’t like pickled onions or simply do not feel like making them, chives or green onions would work well too.  Finally, the soft boiled egg adds color and protein and brings a creaminess to the salad.  It also adds another level of heartiness to the meaty mushrooms.  If you prefer, hard boiled eggs would work as well, though I think the creaminess of a soft boiled egg or even a poached egg adds a nice touch that would be missed if you go that route.  .

All of this produce (except the onion) came from Just Farmed…I believe they are accepting new participants for this year (which starts in May.  Do yourself a favor and inquire as the service is very good!  If you live locally in New Jersey, it’s a great way to bring farm fresh produce right to your door every week.  Recipe follows after the jump… Continue reading →