And just like that, everything is new again.
The chill of winter has lifted and life is springing forth from the ground. I see it all around me and I feel it in my bones.
Spring has come.
With the spring comes change. For me, this time of year means many different things; it is a time of celebration, a time of plenty, and a time of joy. It is a time for farmer’s markets and radishes and ramps and spring greens. It is a time for opening up the windows, a time for letting the sunlight and fresh air in.
For some of us, this season is also a time of remembrance. A time of fasting and prayer, in preparation for the death and resurrection of Christ. For the past few years, Nich and I have observed Great Lent (aka Orthodox Lent). For six weeks, we abstain from meat, dairy, and alcohol, in preparation for the Easter Feast (Pascha).
I am only one week into Great Lent, but I already feel the effects of fasting. I feel focused and rested, contemplative and clear-minded. I feel hopeful and grateful. And yet, I am struck by the realization that I have so much. I have the freedom to abstain from luxuries such as meat, cheese, and wine. I know that there are many (many) people in this world who aren’t afforded this choice. They abstain because they do not have.
It is a sobering realization that I do not take lightly. Such is the nature of this season – it is a time of hope and of heaviness.
All that said, here’s to spring and all that it brings.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 small red onion
- 1 heaping cup spring greens (baby kale, arugula, spinach, chard, lettuce, etc.), washed and patted dry.
- 3 radishes
- Slices of whole wheat sourdough (or other bread of your choice)
- Whole grain mustard
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- First, I like to ‘quick pickle’ the red onion. You don’t have to pickle the red onion, but I think it adds a nice vinegary kick to the sandwich. To pickle the onion, first peel the onion and slice 1/4 of the onion into very thin slices (reserve the rest for another use). Place the onion slices in a small bowl and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt over the onions. Pour red wine vinegar over the onions, just enough to cover and stir to coat. Allow to sit for 15 minutes (or more).
- Meanwhile, assemble the sandwiches. In a small bowl, toss the greens with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. (Be careful not to overdress, use only a little olive oil and lemon juice.)
- Spread a thin layer of whole grain mustard onto a piece of bread. Top with half of the greens. Slice the avocado in half, and cut the half into thin slices (reserving the other half for a second sandwich). Arrange the avocado slices atop the greens.
- Using a knife or mandoline, slice the radishes into very thin rounds. Place radish slices atop the avocado.
- Sprinkle a few of the pickled red onions atop the sandwich. Season with a bit of salt and freshly ground pepper. Top with another slice of bread, or enjoy as an open-faced sandwich.
http://rosemarried.co/2013/03/25/spring-sandwich-with-avocado-radish-and-greens/
Looks delicious. Also, your post was a great reminder to not take the little things for granted.
Thanks for the kind words, Jenni! It’s not often that I get so reflective on my blog, but for some reason the changing of seasons always gets to me. It’s a beautiful time of year, but it just gets me thinking. :)
Mmmm I love light meals like this! Avocado and pickled red onions are the BEST. Can’t wait to make this!
Mmmm this looks scrumptious and the perfect thing to eat to celebrate Spring (and Great Lent). Excited to hear about your fasting adventures! Miss Portland! Hope to be back perm for good soon!
oh, it would be so great if you were back in Portland! Hope all is well on the east coast!
What a beautiful tradition. And a beautiful sandwich. Such a lovely way to welcome spring back into the world. And goodness knows we all seem to need spring right now…
Can’t wait to give this pretty little sammie a try.