Friday 11 May 2012

AN AUTUMN SALAD


“No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of spring.” - Samuel Johnson

As the days continue to shorten and the temperatures continue to fall, we know that Autumn is progressing inexorably towards Winter. It is lovely to feel the bracing coolness in the air and hear the patter of the rain, especially if one is in a warm bed – the rain may then lash the windowpanes and the cold wind may blow, it is but a lullaby that sends one to sleep.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables figure prominently on our table and as always we love our salads. We could not imagine a meal without some sort of salad playing either an accompanying part or having starring role in the proceedings. Today we had a lovely salad that was put together with whatever was in the fridge and whatever could be gathered from the garden. These impromptu seasonal salads are tasty and surprisingly fresh and healthful. The carrots and last of the season’s tomatoes were from the greengrocer’s. The tamarillos, spring onions and herbs were from our garden. We have a lovely little tamarillo tree (Cyphomandra betacea) that is very productive and every autumn we enjoy its fruits.

Carrot, Tamarillo and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
4 carrots
3 tamarillos
1 large tomato
2 spring onions, chopped
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp chopped dill
1 pinch of dried oregano
1 tbsp capers
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper to taste

Method
Grate finely the carrots and place in a salad bowl.
Add the finely chopped onions and herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix well and then add the vinegar and oil, tossing well through the carrots.
Peel the tomato and dice finely into 0.5 cm cubes, arranging it on top of the carrots in the centre of the bowl.
Peel the tamarillos and dice finely into 0.5 cm cubes, arranging it around the tomato along the periphery of the bowl.
Garnish with the capers.
Toss at the table before serving.

This post is part of the Food Friday meme,
and also part of the Food Trip Friday meme.

6 comments:

  1. it looks like a perfect autumn salad. i had to google tamarillo--haven't seen it before.:p i have to look out at the market next time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Anything pasta is a sure hit in my home.

    Been here from Food Trip Friday.

    I am Happy Foodie and Sunny Side Up Eggs is my entry for this week. Hope to see U in mine

    ReplyDelete
  3. The colours are so vivid definitely autumn salad. Looks yum.

    ReplyDelete
  4. that looks delish and inviting too...healthy choice :-) Dropping by from FTF

    http://www.homecookingwithjessy.com/lunch-at-teds-hot-dogs-restaurant/

    ReplyDelete
  5. salad is a healthy meal to have :-) never try this salad yet but it look delish :-) Dropping by from Food Friday

    http://www.adventurousjessy.com/2012/05/celebrating-our-tenth-year-wedding-anniversar.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. interesting ingredient, the tamarillo...am not sure if we have that around here. will go check :)

    thanks much for sharing and linking over at Food Friday

    ReplyDelete