Gimme That Gremo

A very drab dish can become bright and sparkling with just a few little peppy flavoring.

As an example, good old Italian gremolata, a simple garnish made of minced garlic, lemon zest (the outer yellow skin of the lemon) and parsley, added to olive oil with a dash of salt. This garnish is sprinkled over the Italian classic osso buco (braised veal shanks).

Gremolata can give pasta, baked potatoes, bland soups, rice and many other good but plain dishes a lively finish. Give it a try with this recipe.

Eggs, Tomatoes and Potatoes with Gremolata

Active Work Time: 35 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 1 hour

If you have time, make the gremolata the day before so the flavors can blend.

GREMOLATA

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

3 tablespoons parsley

3 cloves garlic, chopped

Salt

* Combine oil and zest in small jar with lid.

* Cut stems off parsley. Stack leaves in pile and chop into small pieces. Add to olive oil. Add garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt to oil mixture, put on lid and shake vigorously. Taste and, if it seems flat, add 1/2 teaspoon more salt. Shake and taste again. Makes about 3/4 cup.

ASSEMBLY

1 1/2 pounds small red boiling potatoes, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, unpeeled

8 eggs

Salt

Water

4 tomatoes, each cut into 6 wedges

* Place potatoes and whole eggs in large pot of salted water. Bring to boil and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to poke to the center of the potato. Drain and place in large bowl.

* When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes into quarters (don’t peel). Place in bowl. Shell and quarter eggs and add them to bowl. Add tomato wedges.

* Using your hands, lightly toss eggs and vegetables together. Salt lightly and toss to mix. Taste and add more salt if it tastes flat. Add half Gremolata to eggs and vegetables, toss and taste. If it seems shy of Gremolata, add a little more. Any leftover Gremolata should be put into small bowl and passed at the table. (Gremolata will keep a week refrigerated.)

4 servings. Each serving: 215 calories; 129 mg sodium; 212 mg cholesterol; 12 grams fat; 19 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams protein; 0.78 gram fiber.