For those of us old enough to remember the movie or TV series called the “Odd Couple“, you know the plot was all about the ups and downs of two recently divorced and very different men living together in a smallish New York City apartment. Felix was the worrying, fussy, conservative, martini drinking type, while Oscar was the care-free, sloppy, live in the moment, beer slugging type. Audiences were entertained by how they managed to stay friends despite their many differences.
After the movie became a huge success, the popular TV series took the oddities of their daily relationship struggles to the next level, entertaining fans for years. In the end, the stories about their lives together always made us laugh, because people can be fascinated by how odd couples, unusual matches, opposite personalities, or widely disparate cultures can find ways to work things out. The series was not the most intellectually challenging, certainly nothing too complicated, but there was always a life lesson in each episode. TV shows and sitcoms are full of this very kind of situation, because it’s entertaining.
The truth is that opposites are attractive to us because it’s fun to get to know someone who isn’t like you. The fact is that each of us are affected by the people around us. Some of them teach us things. Some of them bring out the worst in us. Some of them bring out the best in us. Some of them just accept us for who we are. I submit there is value in every relationship because each one forces us to constantly test where we are in our personal evolution. Sometimes we make dramatic changes because of the impact others have on us. At other times we make imperceptible changes in our perspectives, attitudes and behaviours because people with different points of view, philosophies and mannerisms make us more aware of the impact we have on those around us as well.
I honestly believe life is more interesting when it is less predictable–when we are open to adventure and exploration with the people around us and with ourselves. We love it when something surprises us. For example, is there any man out there that isn’t thrilled when the special lady in our life shows up for date-night in a new dress or with a new piece of jewelry? And I’m pretty sure the people love it when we surprise them with something unexpected–like flowers on a day other than their birthday, an anniversary or on valentine’s day.
I think it’s hard for another person to be your soul mate if they always think like you, live like you, love the same things you do or play like you. I agree that as a relationship progresses we discover many things we have in common, but we also discover more things we have in contrast. There are some who may disagree, but I believe relationships last longer and remain vibrantly sustainable when there is always something new to discover about your commonalities and differences. In the end, it’s good to know you aren’t like everyone else out there, and that someone loves you because of your differences. That’s a pretty powerful validation of who you are and who you will likely become, and good reason to celebrate the differences you and your soul mate have.
Get Chili Oil in Asian Food Stores or at Whole Foods Store
So what does Watermelon and Chili Oil have to do with all this? Well, let me ask this: would you have ever guessed watermelon and chili oil could ever be companions in a salad? No, me either. But this Odd Combination is not only compatible, buy they do a fantastic dance together in a salad with Arugula, Pistachios and Goat Cheese!
A couple of weekends ago, we had this salad at a neighbor’s home. We were shocked by how good it was. We tasted the cool sweetness of the watermelon followed by the peppery arugula and then this slight spark of heat from the chili oil in the back of the mouth. It was not spicy it was just an amazing experience. While our neighbor didn’t have a recipe, per se, she told us the general ingredients. I spent a few days experimenting with the recipe, and we served it to 11 dinner guests in our home. Virtually EVERYONE raved about the Watermelon, Arugula and Chili Oil Salad. To a person, everyone asked if I would blog it so they could make it while watermelon was still in season.
This is one of those recipes that couldn’t be simpler. I know you can cut up watermelon. Can you pull Arugula out of the bag and put it in a bowl? Can you buy some toasted pistachios or pine nuts and add them in? Can you squeeze a lemon and add some chili oil? I’m pretty sure you can find goat cheese at the store and crumble it on top. That’s it. Couldn’t be simpler. I guarantee this salad will surprise and delight your family and guests. Serve it with a chilled New Zealand Marlborough County Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio and you have an incredible luncheon salad or a side salad for burgers or beef off the grill.
Watermelon, Arugula, and Chili Oil Salad
Prep Time: 15 mins | Makes: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, seeded and cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
Looks Great! Tastes Fantastic!
- 2 cups arugula or watercress
- 1/2 to 3/4 tbsp chili oil
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 kosher or sea salt
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or pistachios (toasted)
- 1/3 cup ricotta salata, goat or feta cheese, crumbled
- fleur de sel (optional)
Directions:
1. Whisk together lemon juice, chili oil and salt in a large bowl, whisking until well mixed.
2. Add watermelon to bowl and mix well.
3. Let watermelon marinate (macerate) in the dressing in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Taste the watermelon. The sweetness of the watermelon should be followed by the subtle heat from the chili oil at the back of the tongue. Add more chili oil if desired, to taste.
4. Just before serving, add the arugula or watercress and nuts and toss to coat well. Then sprinkle with cheese and fleur de sel (if using).
Source: Lou’s Recipe Collection
Sent from Paprika Recipe Manager
Categories: Great Recipes, Loving Life!
All With Good Taste 
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