I don't recall exactly how sorrel came to the garden. Maybe I picked it up at a local plant sale? Probably. I am curious that way.

What Is Sorrel?

Mother Earth News gives a great account of sorrel, describing it as a "zingy lemony green" which returns year after year. I can attest to both points. Once planted, in the herb section, sorrel grew like a weed. It's been a year and it's still growing, strong and straight. It's got zing, so a little goes a long way. A whole salad of sorrel, we found, is a little much. But mixed with the right pungent spice, such as some grilled onions, as shown below, it a refreshing summer treat.

Summer Sorrel Salad with Grilled Onions

¼ cup white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons parsley, chopped

½ cup olive oil, extra virgin preferred

1 Vidalia or white onion, cut vertically into ¾ inch wedges

1 bunch washed and chopped fresh sorrel (about 4 cups)

½ teaspoon salt

Prepare barbecue on medium-high heat or preheat broiler. Whisk white wine vinegar, salt, parsley together in small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil two tablespoons at a time, until reaching taste preferences.

Arrange onion wedges on baking sheet, if using broiler, or plate. Brush or rub sides of onions with olive oil and lightly salt. Grill or broil onions until lightly charred, turning occasionally. Try to keep wedges intact, about 12 minutes. Transfer to plate and let cool. Take wedges and dice onion into small bite-sized pieces.

Place greens in medium-sized bowl. Arrange onions atop greens. Drizzle dressing atop salad. Serve.

Optional add-ons: goat cheese, roasted beets, or cucumber make lovely additions to this salad.

Start Your Own Summer Adventure with Sorrel

Given its hearty nature I'm confident I have time to experiment with more recipes and ways to serve sorrel. There a few recipes on the web, mostly in the shape of soups and sauces, following the French methods. But let's experiment further, making pesto, mixing in a potato salad, and more.

Have you tried sorrel? Curious? Then come on over and let's take on the sorrel adventure together!