Mirliton Festival!!

First things first...do you know what a mirliton is? The mirliton, also known as the Vegetable Pear, Chayote or according to my mother-in-law a merliton is a subtropical member of the squash family. The fruit, pear shaped with a thin light green skin holds a crispy milky white/green flesh which surrounds a single soft seed. Its downright delicious!

My mother in law makes one mean stuffed Merliton. A soft mix of Louisiana Shrimp, Peppers, Cornbread and thyme and if she's feeding a crowd she skips the stuffing, folds the cooked & mashed mirliton into the mix and bakes it casserole style with some crunchy bread crumbs on top. It makes for one mean buffet (say it with me y'all...boo-fey)!

Don't get me wrong, I love a stuffed mirliton but I really enjoy raw mirliton. There's no need for peeling or cooking and the recipe below will get you on your way. Not only does it utilize mirlitons but it also gives us all one more reason to use some local citrus.

Mirliton Slaw
Yields: 3 cups slaw

3 Mirlitons, unpeeled and cut into julienne (if you have a Japanese mandolin use the julienne attachment if not, you are looking for matchstick sized pieces of Mirliton
1/2 cup thinly sliced Red Onion
1 medium Satsuma, juice and zest
1/2 Meyer Lemon, juice and zest
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
a good handful of freshly chopped Cilantro (use as much or as little as you like, omit it if you hate cilantro and substitute fresh Chervil or Parsley)
Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

This recipe couldn't be easier, Toss everything together in one big bowl, season to taste with the salt and pepper and serve as a side. It's also great with cooked Louisiana Shrimp, Crab meat, or even as a burger topper ( I love it on my turkey burgers...fancy-no?).

Mirlitons should be showing up at our local Farmers Markets soon. Until then enjoy the Mirliton Festival tomorrow from 11:30 am-7 pm in the bywater. Delicious food, live music and local artists.

Want a few more interesting Louisiana festivals...visit this website it lists each month's highlights.