The summer here in Nova Scotia has been a hot and muggy one. You know the kind of heat where you get out of the shower and by the time you have your hair dried you need another shower. I love summer don't get me wrong but fall is my favorite time of year so I'll be happy to see it make an appearance very soon. With it being so hot there hasn't been a whole lot of cooking going on around here but I've tried a few new things. Some good some not so great. You can't win them all right?? Of course you'll only be seeing the good... well what I consider good that is.
I'm sure by now you're all familiar with Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). There was a time not too long ago that I really disliked quinoa, I think I did a post on it actually. Let me just say my opinion has changed. I can't get enough of it. Kind of like Frank's hot sauce.... I put that sh*t in everything. I put it in salads, top it with chili, add it to soups for some added protein. It's so versatile and is packed full of nutrition. It is a complete protein and high in fiber. Not only that it contains a number of vitamins and minerals. Some of which are, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin E.
Fattoush Salad
A Middle Eastern salad that is usually served with crispy baked (or deep fried) pita bread.
Serves 6 - 8
3/4 cup red quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
2 English cucumbers, chopped
8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, finely chopped
4 shallots or green onions, sliced
1/2 large red pepper, diced
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup roughly chopped mint (I use less mint maybe 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup roughly chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 Tbsp EVOO
3 tsp sumac * (no not the poisonous kind)
1 tsp zatar *
1 - 2 cloves garlic minced
s & p
Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 mins. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Mix lemon juice, EVOO, garlic, sumac, zatar, salt and pepper together. Let sit while quinoa is cooking and cooling.
Toss veggies in a bowl, add quinoa when completely cool and top with dressing. Chill and enjoy
**You will most likely find Zatar and Sumac at a Middle Eastern grocery store, but check the ethnic food section of your local grocery store**
We also had a milestone birthday of sorts this month. Our canine fur babies turned 16, so they got a treat from the Three Dog Bakery
They loved them... two paws up!!
That's all I have for you tonight.
~~ Jackie
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