Humble alliums pair with two pantry staples for a tangy, crisp salsa that adds something special to salmon, burgers, and a variety of grilled and broiled meats.
1small white onion or a large leek*, finely diced (~1 cup)
4scallions, thinly sliced
Sea or kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1teaspoon(7g) honey
2tablespoons(30ml) rice vinegar** (the unseasoned kind/no added sugar)
Instructions
Place the onions and scallions in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes, give or take 5 minutes is fine. Drain well. I like to pat with a clean dish towel or paper towel to get rid of the excess moisture. Tip: Blot the bottom of the strainer or sieve too, as water tends to cling to it.
Stir in the honey, vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. (If using table salt, start with ¼ teaspoon.) Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
You can use the salsa right away, although it will keep in the refrigerator for several days, and the flavor will further mellow and improve over time.
Notes
* White onions, which are widely available and have a papery skin, work well in raw applications. Alternatively, the white part of a leek tastes wonderful in this salsa. A sweet onion, like a Vidalia, may also be used. A red onion, which tends to be more pungent, works well in this salsa for use as a burger condiment.** Rice vinegar has a low pH and is one of the mildest vinegars; its delicate flavor pairs well with the onions. For a bolder flavor, I have used apple cider vinegar. Any vinegar will work, the flavor will simply vary from one to the next.