A Salad with Winter Purslane, sautéed Mushrooms and Nasturtium Flowers

For years I've wanted to plant nasturtium on my balcony but whenever the time was right to plant the seeds I got distracted by other garden beauties. My outdoor space - and the number of my terracotta pots - is quite limited, so I have to make choices. Next year I definitely want to see these pretty edible flowers in orange, yellow and red growing up the railings but for now I'm happy when I see them at one of the markets.

Nasturtium flowers are stunners in salads, they look quite dramatic, but apart form that, I love their delicate taste. You just have to mix them with some crunchy greens and sautéed mushrooms. Thin slices of apples and a few walnuts would be nice too. My salad turned out quite girly, as I chose the cute looking leaves of winter purslane (also known as Miner's or Indian lettuce) which tastes quite similar to Mâche lettuce. But as long as you stay on the mild side, you can add any lettuce of your choice. I would just avoid escarole or endive, they would be too bitter for this composition.

My plate was ready within a few minutes and I enjoyed another one of my beloved, light and easy Saturday lunches before my weekend baking and cooking begins!

A Salad with Winter Purslane, sautéed Mushrooms and Nasturtium Flowers

For 2 people you need

• winter purslane, a handful

• medium mushrooms, the bottoms cut off, cut into thick slices, 6

• butter 1 tablespoon

• nasturtium flowers 6

• olive oil 3 tablespoons

• balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons

• salt and pepper

In a pan, heat the butter and sauté the mushrooms for 2 minutes on each side until golden and still crunchy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk the olive oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Arrange the winter purslane and the mushrooms on plates and sprinkle with the dressing. Put the flowers on top and serve immediately.

My Pastrami, Turnip and Winter Purslane Sandwich

It's Wednesday again, time for another sandwich!

At the moment I am really hooked on roots so my sandwich today can't do without them. My choice is a German turnip called "Teltower Rübchen". It tastes similar to horseradish, just a bit softer. I also have some winter purslane (sometimes known as miner's lettuce), its flavor is quite mild and sits well with the turnip. I must admit that I chose the winter purslane because it looks really cute. The centre piece of this sandwich is Pastrami but I wouldn't dare calling it a "Pastrami Sandwich" as, traditionally, this sandwich is literally piled up with slices of meat which is too much for me. This is lighter, on ciabatta bread, with a bit of olive oil, crushed pepper - delicious.

A Sandwich with Pastrami, Turnip and Winter Purslane

For 2 people you need

• a small loaf of ciabatta

• Pastrami, 6-8 slices

• Teltower Rübchen, thinly sliced (or horseradish, grated)

• winter purslane, a handful (or rucola/ rocket, a few leaves)

• olive oil

• crushed peppercorns

Cut your bread and slice it in half. Drizzle some olive oil on the inside, line with the pastrami and put either the turnip slices or a bit of grated horseradish on top. Garnish with a few leaves of winter purslane or rucola and enjoy a big bite!