Mexican Jicama Salad

I had a wonderful time in Mexico City last week and one of the recipes I came back with was a super simple little salad made with Jicama, limon (lime juice), chili powder and salt. The chili powder turned the salad a nice light pink color too. Jicama is often served as an appetizer sliced on a plate with lime and salt for dipping and this is a jumbled version of that. I found it to be a very refreshing salad and it was a wonderful side dish that contrasted nicely with all of the soft cooked meat, beans and rice that we were consuming.  

Jicama can be found in most large supermarkets these days and if you haven't tried it - you should.  It is a wonderful root vegetable with a brown skin. It is composed mostly of soluble fiber and is low in calories. It is high in potassium and has a low glycemic index and is a prebiotic and contains inulin that helps you absorb calcium from other foods. It doesn't really have much flavor, but it does have a wonderful juicy crunch that is quite a bit like fresh water chestnuts.  I am very fond of JIcama as I love crunchy foods and this is a version that I will definitely serve again!

Mexican Jicama Salad

1 large Jicama, peeled and cut into julienned pieces

Juice of 2 limes

1 teaspoon Honey

1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder

1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Drizzle of olive oil

Mix lime juice, honey, chili powder, Cayenne Pepper and salt together.  Taste and adjust salt and sugar accordingly.  Toss with the Jicama pieces and serve.

Five Element Analysis

Jicama, as a root vegetable is clearly from the Earth Element and the honey brings in just a bit more so this is mostly an Earthy  dish. The limes and olive oil add the Wood Element and the Chili Powder and Cayenne Pepper contribute a bit of the Fire Element and the salt adds a hint of the Water Element.  The Metal Element is missing.  So,this dish clearly needs to be served along other foods to create balance. Consider serving this salad with Carnitas (pork) tacos along with pinto beans - both Water foods; lots of hot salsa, which contributes more of the Fire Element; and rice, which adds the Metal Element.