Uni, or sea urchin roe, is at once delicate and incredibly rich. I like this preparation because the chive and radish offer a bit of bite and cut some of that richness, while the lemon and cucumber contribute a breezy freshness. Because the portions are small, make sure you cut the vegetables into a very fine, uniform dice. This would make a very elegant passed appetizer at a cocktail party. You can find fresh uni packaged in trays at Asian markets.

Ingredients

　　1 tray uni, about 4 ounces

　　1/2 cup small-diced cucumber

　　1/2 cup diced radish

　　Juice of 1 lemon

　　3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

　　3 tablespoons minced chives

　　Gently separate the individual uni sacs and place on a decorative spoon (Chinese soup spoons make a fun presentation). Gently combine the cucumber, radish, lemon juice, olive oil, and chives and spoon a bit of the dressed vegetables over the top of each spoon. Serve immediately.

　　Ethan Stowell's New Italian Kitchen