Tomayto Tomahto
Yesterday I was feeling homesick. So I decided to do something to remind me of the comfort of home. I made a tomato/onion salad. Now, talking to the everyman on the street, this may not be such a big deal, but for me, it's monumental. I LOVE tomatoes. If I could afford it, I'd eat bunches every day, with lemon juice and salt. MMmmmmmm good. You could even chop up and add a cucumber for some crunchiness, but it's not necessary if you don't have one. But I REALLY dislike onions. They hurt your eyes (stupid lachrymatory factor), feel rather slimy, and have such a strong and consuming flavor. But the overwhelming memory of mom's (and Heidi's) tomato salads with lots of red onions and parsley and olives..... I could help myself. When I told Zach what I was going to do, he looked at me in shock. He then threatened to tell everyone that I liked onions. I counterattacked with a couch pillow. End scene.I had already picked up a red onion from the store last week for the odd case I'd need it in a recipe. I knew I had to work quickly, but thought i'd be able to make it through without a lot of fuss--boy was I wrong. So I struggled through the onion chopping, added my precious tomatoes on top, chopped the cucumber, split some green olives, douced it with lemon juice, sprinkled some salt, and voile: the object of my then current affection. I spooned and heaping portion into my bowl and dug in. Hmm.. those onions are a bit stronger than I thought. Maybe I need to eat it together with more tomato. No, still strong, overwhelming even. I was slightly disheartened. Perhaps it was a different kind of red onion? I don't really know. But really, this will probably be the one and ONLY time that I will be making a salad voluntarily with onions.
Shhhhh Heidi...... let's keep this a secret between you and me.
posted by Eileen @ 8:31 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Heya Leeny! Add more parsley (fresh parsley) and it won't taste so strong. ohhhh also, another rule I try to make your sister stick to: "No onions at lunch!!!!" No kidding, we have a social life.
Matt
ps: I like the way your write!
dearest sister ... i felt so homesick when i read your entry. but it also reminded me of some very good times :)
yes, parsley is good if you need to do stuff after you eat, but WE know that it's not manditory. i usually cut 1/2 medium onion and at least 2 large tomatoes (or equivalent).
to not cry when you're chopping those wonderful red onions: 1)chop off the ends, cut it in half & rinse halves under cold water. 2)have a lit candle next to where you're chopping (remember xmas?). 3)on a square shredding box, there's a part on the short side that's a wide blade cut (like a smile), use that instead of cutting with a knife. it's quicker, just be careful with your fingers!
for the dressing: olive oil first, then lemon, then salt. mix together, let it sit for 5 minutes (if you can wait that long) then eat :)
these are just little suggestions (since you know i'm always full of suggestions), but honestly you've inspired me. i'm going to make us a tomato and onion salad tonight :):):)
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