I was lucky enough to spend a few relaxing days at our cabin this past weekend, enjoying the gorgeous weather and some much-needed time away from our usual routine.
We read, took long walks, and played Sudoku – and also enjoyed plenty of delicious food.
For many of us, the holiday weekend marks the end of summer as we slowly segue into Fall.
But, according to my calendar, summer isn’t officially over for several weeks.
While fresh produce is still abundant at the Farmer’s Market, tomatoes are something I like to take full advantage of this time of year.
As it happened, I had a surplus of tomatoes on hand this past weekend.
I wasn’t sure what to do with them, but the rustic country setting inspired me to keep things simple.
And that’s when – seemingly out of nowhere – I was suddenly reminded of my mother’s Tomato Salad.
Not only did I grow up with this salad as a summertime staple, but it was also a personal favorite.
And yet – I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten it!
How did that even happen?
Many of us have memories of the delicious foods our mothers used to make for us – or, perhaps we thought they were delicious, simply because she made them.
For me, Tomato Salad is one of those memories.
Without a recipe to refer to, I scanned my memory for the brief list of ingredients.
Olive oil? Check. Fresh lemons? Check. Salt? Check
Ingredients so simple, it’s almost a non-recipe – but it was enough to go on.
Later in the afternoon, I sliced up the tomatoes and placed them in a glass bowl.
I drizzled them with olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkled them with salt, and left the mixture to marinate the rest of the day.
You know how we often have an image in our head of how something will look and taste? Especially when we’re bumping up against the memory of what it once tasted like?
(Actually – learning to cook and bake gluten-free often follows the same trajectory, as we strive to emulate the original appearance and flavor of a “gluten-filled” original).
But I digress.
Here, in it’s simplicity, is my mother’s Tomato Salad – perfect for these waning days of summer while fresh tomatoes are still in ready supply.
Tomato Salad (recipe can easily be doubled)
3-4 fresh Tomatoes, preferably organic
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
3-4 Tbsp freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
1 tsp Sea Salt – or to taste
Slice tomatoes and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt. Stir gently to combine.
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature, or refrigerate until serving time.
The salad should taste predominantly of lemon. It makes a perfect accompaniment to your summer barbecue!
Serves 3-4
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