Back in the 1870s, Market Day took place on the first Thursday of every month along the southern stretch of what is now called Olde Western Avenue. This was when farmers within a twenty-five miles radius would eagerly bring their livestock and produce to sell to Blue Island residents. My Great Grandma Ma Schade often shared her memories of Market Day and it was easy to imagine her strolling through the market in search of the best vegetables she could find. And yes, root vegetables like onions were high on her shopping list.
My onion, leek, and pea gratin pays homage to the onion root vegetable and the farmers who worked the rich Midwestern soil in days past. This is the perfect accompaniment to roast chicken, holiday ham, as well as beef or pork roast.