This riff on the classic Italian salad features spelt, a chewy whole grain that delivers healthy amounts of dietary fibre. Cooking the grains in orange juice adds a touch of sweetness, while anchovies bring salty-umami flavour to the dressing. If you want to omit them, simply replace anchovies with about 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt. If you can’t find mini mozzarella balls, you can use regular fresh mozzarella and chop it into pieces. Also consider serving on a bed of tender salad greens.
1 1/2 cups (350 mL) spelt
2 cups (500 mL) orange juice
Salt
2 pints (910 g) grape tomatoes, halved
10 oz (280 g) mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
2/3 cup (160 mL) walnut halves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or camelina oil
1 cup (250 mL) packed arugula
1/2 cup (125 mL) packed basil
3 to 4 anchovy fillets
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 Tbsp (30 mL) balsamic or red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
Place spelt, orange juice, a couple of pinches of salt, and 2 cups (500 mL) water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes, or until spelt is tender. Drain very well and set aside to cool.
In large container, toss spelt with tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and walnuts. Place oil, arugula, basil, anchovies, garlic, vinegar, and black pepper in blender or mini food processor container and blend until well combined. If needed, add additional oil to help with blending. Toss arugula dressing with spelt mixture.
Serves 5.
Each serving contains: 521 calories; 24 g protein; 32 g total fat (9 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 38 g total carbohydrates (17 g sugars, 6 g fibre); 114 mg sodium
source: "The Lunch Bunch", alive #378, January 2015
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
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