The Asparagus and Tomato Salad has long been regarded as an aphrodisiac by Mediterranean cultures. The phallic symbol of the asparagus is combined with the Love Apple—as tomatoes are still called in Greek, Hebrew and some other languages—in a sweet-and-sour dressing that symbolizes the many moods of love. (Q & A) (MIN)
Serves 6 (use organic ingredients when possible)
- 12 tender stalks of asparagus
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 medium size lemon
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup brown or raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon sweet red paprika
SLICE off the hard (or ‘wooden’) bottom ends of the asparagus and steam the stalks (in a steamer if you have one, or in shallow water, in a big enough skillet or pot to keep the stalks straight.
Juice the lemon and blend with the vinegar, sugar, honey, basil, paprika and Worcestershire sauce.
Slice tomatoes into wedges, arrange among and around the steamed asparagus on a pretty, oblong-shaped shallow dish, long enough to keep the asparagus stalks straight. Make sure you have enough dressing to cover the asparagus and tomatoes. If not, add a little spring water to the dressing and mix before pouring it over the veggies.