Isabel's Cuban Salad

In Cuba, like in many other Latin countries, salads are not very common during dinnertime. Usually we tend to use shredded lettuce or cabbage and diced tomatoes as toppings to soups, tacos or enchiladas. But, if there is a special occassion or a holiday, one can find simple yet very tasty salads. A typical Cuban salad is just that: simple yet tasty. INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe red tomatoes
• 1 white onion
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• 6-8 radishes, sliced thin

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, mashed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the tomatoes in wedges, cut the onion in thin slices. Break up the lettuce by hand. Toss all ingredients together with the radishes. Place all the vegetables in the refrigerator to chill.
2. Use a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic with the salt and pepper. In a small bowl, add the olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice to the crushed garlic. Whisk together thoroughly. You can also use a blender to emulsify the oil and liquids.
3. Just before serving gradually add the dressing, a little at a time, while you toss the salad with a couple of large salad forks. Add just enough dressing to cover the salad - more or less to your own taste.