The flavonoid known as quercetin contained in red onions assists in reducing the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease if eaten as part of a balanced diet. And when onions are consumed raw it is a significantly better way of increasing your quercetin intake than supplements. This is a salad from southern India which uses fresh ingredients which are fundamentally pickled in vinegar and lemon juice and served on the day with a main meal. You could add a peeled and grated carrot to make the salad sweeter in taste.

Serves 4

1 tbsp malt vinegar

2 green chillies, finely chopped

¼ tsp salt (optional)

a pinch of freshly ground black pepper

the juice of 1 lemon

3 red onions, thinly sliced

Mix the malt vinegar, green chillies, salt, if using, pepper and lemon juice together in a non-metallic bowl.

Put in the onions and mix well.

Serve as part of a main meal.