What I Learned From a Beninese Nun

So here in Dassa-Zoume, Benin there at not many vegetables, which explains the high level of malnutrition among the population. When we do actually add vegetables to the pasta that we eat everyday, we add onions or tomatoes, or both.

Anyone who actually cooks knows of course that cutting onions stings the eyes and these onions are no different. I always put water on the onion before I cut it to reduce the sting but it never disappears completely.

Well one day when I was in the kitchen cutting onions with my eyes visibly disturbed by the action, one of the nuns (i don’t know her name and it is waaaaaay too late to ask now) stuffed a matchstick in my mouth. With a look of confusion, I stared at her and she explained that it helps when cutting onions. I won’t lie, I actually didn’t believe it and thought it was ridiculous. How would this matchstick stop the burning in my eyes?

But of course she was right. It worked. Amazingly. So now every time I cut an onion I put a matchstick between my lips, with the fire making side on the outside of course. Do try it at home!