A symbol of fertility, life, and death in the ancient world, and referenced by several of the great world religions, pomegranates even play a starring role in the Eleusinian Mysteries, the top secret ancient Greek cult that worshipped Demeter and Persephone. The story goes that Hades trapped Persephone in the Underworld by getting her to eat 6 pomegranate seeds, only releasing her when her mother Demeter agreed they could share custody of her on a six-monthly basis, thus giving us our winter and summer seasons.
Persephone clearly had excellent taste in fruit, if not in men, as pomegranate seeds have a devilish sweet-sour taste to them that makes them an excellent addition to otherwise quite ordinary dishes. This is a great one to serve when you've got friends or family round, as it's pretty pleasing on the eye. The trick is to make sure your tomatoes are at room temperature when you serve them, and try to use a variety of different sizes and colours.
What's the A to V?
Both tomatoes and pomegranate are high in vitamin C, K and folate (B9), and the onion here will add a bit of sulphur.
Ingredients (serves 2 to 4):
4 large tomatoes, and 150g of smaller cherry tomatoes
50g pomegranate seeds
1/4 of a small red onion, very finely sliced into rounds
3-4 sprigs of parsley or coriander, chopped
For the dressing
2 tbsps of olive oil
1 tbsp of pomegranate molasses
1 tsp of sumac
Salt and pepper to season
Method
Slice your large tomatoes into discs, and halve your cherry tomatoes.
Lay them face up on a plate (alternatively just chuck everything into a bowl), and sprinkle over your pomegranate seeds and onion.
In a small bowl or rammekin mix together the ingredients for the dressing and stir well.
Drizzle on top of your tomatoes, and finish by sprinkling your herbs on top of everything.