Have You Ever Tried Watercress?

We have a new Farmer's Market in my town and it's fabulous.  From exotic foods to regular foods, every kind of fruit or veggie that you could ever want, and their prices are very reasonable, cheap.  The main focus of the market is fruits and veggies but it also serves as a grocery store, fresh fish market and Amish bakery.  I love shopping there, I never know what I am going to find.  Watercress has always been a favorite of mine, and my regular grocery store does not carry it.  Well, my Farmer's Market does as I found out yesterday.  I make a simple salad out of the watercress, it has a sweet, earthy taste to it and doesn't need much to enhance its flavor.  Watercress is loaded with vitamins, especially rich with vitamin C, and also minerals. Here is a tidbit for you -  Watercress is native to Europe and Asia, is a water plant that usually grows near streams, and is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans.

In a colander, carefully wash, trim the ends and then dry the watercress by placing it in a clean dishtowel.  Place in a salad bowl and add red onion.  You can stop there or you can add....  

 Tomatoes, cucumber or any other salad ingredients.  I don't like to overpower the watercress with too many vegetables.  Toss with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.  A nice change up to regular old lettuce salads.

Watercress Salad

Ingredients

2 bunches of watercress, washed and drained dry

1/2 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

3 Tbsp red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Be sure to wash the watercress before using!  Trim ends off the watercress and separate into a bowl. Add the onion and salt and pepper.  Mix the vinegar and oil together with a whisk.  Pour over the salad and toss. Makes 6 servings.