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Nobody eats parsley!
That’s the punchline to an old, somewhat naughty, joke.
At the time I was telling that joke, back when I was self-appointed queen of the dirty joke, the statement was true. Every plate in every restaurant (in the entire universe) was sent out of the kitchen with a little sprig of curly parsley. Every plate in every restaurant (in the entire universe) was returned to said kitchen, cleaned, except for the little sprig of parsley.
I didn’t know it was edible until I was a teenager, working in a restaurant, and the cook (gasp) popped a sprig in her mouth, chewed and (double gasp) swallowed! She lived!
It was an epiphany! I had discovered herbs. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Time for a side note:
U.S. television commercials (other than the Superbowl) tend to be preachy, boring and occasionally inappropriate. (Ads for Viagra on a 7:30 sitcom? What, they’re aiming at the 10 year old market now? Are things really that bad?)
British commercials tend to be funny, obscure and occasionally a bit naughty.
There are a series of British commercials about “they”. The floating voice makes a statement: “They say that…..” followed by: “And just who are “they” that keep telling us this?” The voice then goes in search of “they”. “They” would be found hiding in the woods, behind walls in supermarkets, in caves, at the mall, in someone’s attic, etc. “They” were a diverse group, toddlers through grannies in wheelchairs, all shapes, sizes and colors, all clustered together, loudly arguing about whatever current question had been posed.
Now that I know who “they” are I feel so much better!
Back to Weekend Herb Blogging, brought to us by Kalyn, of Kalyn’s Kitchen, and hosted for this, the 94th week, by Kalyn herself!
Thanks to Kalyn and Weekend Herb Blogging, I am learning all sort of good stuff about healthy foods.
Today it’s time for the little green sprig to come into its own. Let’s hear it for Parsley!
The World’s Healthiest Foods site states that it’s the most popular herb in the world. I assume they mean for eating and not just garnishing restaurant plates! The article goes on to say that parsley contains “two types of unusual components that provide unique health benefits”. One type has been seen to inhibit tumor formation, particularly in the lungs; the other to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood. Plus it’s loaded with vitamins, easy to grow…. and looks so attractive as a garnish!
Lentil and Herb Salad, first course for two
1/4 cup small green lentils
1/2 cup beef stock
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup snipped, fresh parsley
1/4 cup snipped, fresh basil
a few pine nuts for garnish (optional)
Lemon Vinaigrette
Cook lentils in stock until done, about 30 minutes. Combine lentils, celery, parsley and basil in a small bowl. Add vinaigrette, toss gently to combine and serve. Sprinkle on a few pine nuts or walnuts if you are so inclined.
Lemon Vinaigrette
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp white Balsamic vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
6 tsp good olive oil
In small bowl whisk lemon juice, vinegar and mustard. Add olive oil 1 tsp at a time, whisking to emulsify.
I served this with a thick slice of these weird tomatoes (that I don’t know the name of but are really good – if, like me, you have to buy your tomatoes (pause for lengthy crying jag)) and half of a hard boiled egg.
Be sure to stop by Kalyn’s Kitchen on Monday for the recap of all the herb-y (and veggie) delights.
Now, does anyone know the one-line joke to go with my punchline?
I don’t know the joke, but I do agree that U.S. commercials are just horrible. (Except for the old ones written by my fantastic brother – he is not doing that much any more but his commercials were clever and touching.)
The salad sounds just fantastic. I love parsley, it’s in my top five herbs for sure. And lentils are so great in salad. Can I have more than a few pine nuts in mine?
Didn’t know your brother did commercials – He is multi-talented!
More pine nuts coming up!
A perfect summer dish! I happen to love parsley. The only problem is that any recipe that calls for it uses only part of the bunch. Then I need to find something to do with the rest of it. This salad sounds like my answer!
I love this dish and the vinaigrette – simple, yet full of taste! Bookmarked!
Perfect — my flat-leaf parsley is finally taking off like crazy in the herb garden! I’m looking for all sorts of recipes that use it. Very underrated herb, I think.
It looks great and I love the weird tomato!
Have you ever seen the european festival of best commercials on tv here? They are SO good, puts american commercials to shame. Some of the scandinavian ones are so naughty!
I’ve seen those weird tomatoes at my vegetable stand, my neighbor gave me some once. They are good. I’ll have to get some to go with my lentils
I used to HATE parsley! But then I discovered flat-leaf parsley and everything changed! I just don’t like the curly stuff!
This looks so yummy, Katie — I’m really excited to try it. I love that tomato, too — the scallopped edges are beautiful!
I cannot get enough of lentil salads so am thrilled to see your recipe. It looks so fresh and enticing. What a great choice for weekend herb blogging.
Great salad. My parsley is thriving and I am sooo happy. I sometimes freeze parsley: it may not be ideal, but I’d rather do that than discard it. I love lentils.
Toni, the bunches one buys are usually huge, try keeping it in a lettuce crisper or wrapped in damp paper towels.
Chris, I think I’m finally mastering the art of ‘just enough’ vinaigrette…for someone who cooks in quantities, it ain’t easy!
Lydia, mine is looking so good this year I am trying to use it more often…and liking it better each time!
Zorra, I used to get them in Andorra – thought they were Spanish… they’re very flavorful…and pretty!
Meredith, I have seen the festival and love it. Some of the British commercials – I never have figured out what they’re advertising… kind of defeats the purpose haha!
Jenn, I’m not a fan of the curly stuff either, throwback to my waitress days, I think!
Genie, I agree, they are so pretty! I’ve never seen the plants so I don’t know where they come from. I’m forced to pay money for my tomatoes this year, sob…
Truffle, I love lentils in any form, any color… thanks!
Simona, I think this must be a good year for parsley. I freeze it with a bit of stock in ice cube trays 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
LURVE parsley and lurve this recipe too! Will be taking this in a tub to a music festival this weekend!
Your salads look so great! I hope I have some nice weather when I get back to France so I can make some. We haven’t had a lot of salad days here in the PNW…
Wendy, it turned out to be a really good combination! A music festival…How fun!
Betty, too bad about your weather…but we’ve only been able to eat on our terrace twice so far this year!
My parsley never lasts very long with the Texas heat. I’ll buy some for this salad as I love lentils!
Tanna, too bad about the parsley – that heat can be tough on herbs… and humans!