I am new to the world of food. That is not to say that I haven’t enjoyed food. Immensely. Up to this point. Rather, I am new to appreciating it genuinely. Slowly. Unusually enthusiastically. Academically (?).
I would like to say that this new approach manifests itself in a graceful way. Picture: me, sitting straight-backed, with curious eyebrows and half-closed eyes, smiling while savoring. Sadly, this is not the case, as my oft-aching and stuffed belly will attest.
Maybe writing about food is a way to cultivate that grace. Which brings me to the painfully easy, intensely tasty treat #1:
Mannie’s Salted Red Onions
You can find these tasty treats, as it turns out, at Boston favorite El Pelon. Yet, awesomely, making them at home is easier than getting in the car. Thank you to my friend Mannie and Latin America for bringing us this summer classic that perks up any sleepy dish.
Ingredients:
- * 1 red onion
* a generous helping of salt (~1/3 cup)
* 3-4 limes
* tap water
With a sharp knife, slice the onion very thinly. Place onions into a bowl and add enough water to cover. Add salt and soak until onions are very tender (30+ minutes). Drain water thoroughly (don’t rinse!) and squeeze enough lime juice into the bowl so that onions are soaking.
Serve with:
- * tortilla chips (fry up quartered corn tortillas for the best homemade chips!),
* heirloom tomatoes and cracked pepper an otherwise basic salad, or
* what I affectionately call a “bachelor’s bean dip” (i.e., can of beans, salsa, grated cheese,sour cream/Greek yogurt).
Just because it wouldn’t feel right to leave it out….organic, local ingredients are the tastiest, and, in buying them, we put our money where our hippie mouths are.
Contributed by: Ms. Sweet
