Pretty in Pink – Pickled Onions Fit for a Princess

I saw these pretty onions on Market Kitchen by a Chef called Valentine
Had to make them
1 red onion, peeled and finely sliced
½ tsp dried oregano
5 black peppercorns
2 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
Juice ½ orange
½ tsp sea salt
1 bay leaf
½ tsp ground cumin

Bring a small pan of water to the boil
Blanch the sliced onions for about 30 seconds
Drain
Place in a glass or ceramic bowl
Cover with the other ingredients
Marinate for at least 1 hour
The onions will turn a vibrant pink. Pretty as.

These will keep for several days in the fridge

Another first for me Lamb Schnitzel
I used Lamb Steaks
bashed out in thin slices

First make a marinade
10 mint leaves finely chopped
1 tsp sugar
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 red chili finely chopped

Marinate the thin slices for at least 2 hours

Drain on a rack
The dip into flour well seasoned with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Into beaten egg
Then into Panko breadcrumbs
Let sit for another hour to set the crumbs

Fry in vegetable oil till golden brown
I served this with a Cabbage Salad which contains

 Red pepper and of course the Pretty Pink onions
Plus some grated carrot and finely sliced celery
Toss well with a slosh of olive oil
The onions will supply the vinegar part of the dressing
Dont forget to season with S&P

On the side a tasty potato salad very much improved by tossing in Tartare Sauce

½ cup mayo
Tablespoon chopped mint
Tablespoon chopped parsley
1 spring onion finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped gherkins
1 tablespoon chopped capers
Juice ½ lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Peeled and cut potatoes into 2 cms chunks
Boil till just tender
Drain and toss in a little French dressing while still hot
This flavours the potatoes and stops them sticking together

When they have cooled toss them with the Sauce Tartare
Once again, this needs to sit for at least an hour, to take on all of these wonderful flavours.

A dinner... indeed...fit for a princess