Recipe: Quick pickled daikon and cucumber

Total time: About 15 minutes

Servings: Each vegetable makes about 2 cups loosely packed pickle slices

Note: This can top any of the soups or be eaten on the side. Korean red chile powder is available at Korean markets.

1 Japanese or hothouse cucumber

1/4 medium daikon (about 1/2 pound), peeled

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon Korean red chile powder

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1. Cut the cucumber and daikon in half lengthwise, and slice on the bias about one-eighth-inch thick. Place the daikon and cucumber into separate medium bowls.

2. Divide the salt, vinegar and sugar into each bowl and mix with the vegetables. Let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Drain the vegetables, squeezing out excess moisture with your hands. Return them to their respective bowls. Add all of the Korean red chile to the daikon. Add the sesame oil to the cucumbers. The pickled vegetables will store for one week, refrigerated.

Each one-fourth-cup serving: 12 calories; 1 gram protein; 1 gram carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 1 gram fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 71 mg. sodium.