Spain is the land of my ancestors (hence my name – Cadiz) and I totally believe I still feel some of that Spanish-ness. I so love going there. We regularly visit the region of Murcia which is nicknamed “the orchard of Europe”. So you can imagine how good the fresh fruit and veg is. It’s simply a joy to eat.
I discovered this simple salad at one of the waterside restaurants we often frequent. It’s quick and easy to make, and with good quality ingredients tastes like Spanish sunshine to me! Really!
Serves 2
1 roasted red pepper
2 medium tomatoes
1/2 white onion
1 can tuna in olive oil
12 green olives (I used the anchovy-stuffed ones, my favourite)
2 hard boiled eggs, halved
120ml virgin olive oil
60ml red wine vinegar
Drizzle the pepper with olive oil and roast whole in the oven for about 25 minutes until it is slightly charred. Allow to cool and then slice into strips.
Quarter the tomatoes, slice the onions and mix together. Place in a salad bowl and top with the tuna, sliced roast pepper, olives and eggs.
Mix together the olive oil and vinegar and pour over.
Today’s tomato fact
So here’s a bit of history. Tomatoes originate from the Andes in South America where they grow wild in what is now Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador. They first arrived in Europe in the 16th century. Commercial tomato cultivation only began in the 19th century – tomatoes are now the most widely grown product in the world.
For more information and tomato recipes, visit www.britishtomatoes.co.uk
