Fatoush Salad

photo by Olga Vasiljeva

After eating this for years in restaurants, I finally came up with a recipe of my own for this fresh and delightful salad. This version is lower in fat and slightly more minty than the other kinds I’ve tasted. If you don’t care for mint, simply replace it partially (or fully) with parsley. Recipe from Radiant Health, Inner Wealth.

4 tortillas (or pita rounds), cut into 1½-inch pieces

1-2 tablespoons olive oil, regular or extra-virgin

Dressing:                                  

• 3 tablespoons olive oil                       

• The fresh juice of 1 large lemon         

• ½ teaspoon sea salt                           

• Fresh ground pepper to taste                                   

• 1 tablespoon zatar (optional, but fabulous)   

Salad:

• 1 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups diced (or very thinly sliced) cucumber

• ½ cup minced fresh mint 

• ¼ cup chopped scallions (green onions)        

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the tortilla or pita strips in a single layer onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Brush them with the 1-2 tablespoons of oil.

2. Bake the strips until they are golden brown and crisp. Set them aside.

3. Whisk the dressing together and set it aside.

4. Next, place the tomatoes, cucumber, mint, and scallions in a medium-large bowl.

5. Add the tortilla or pita strips to the salad and top with the dressing. Gently combine everything until thoroughly mixed and serve.

Serves 3-4; 30 minutes or under! GF (with gluten-free tortillas)/SF/Blue (according to the health guidelines in my books)

Hungarian Chickpeas!

Photo by Janet Malowany

Holy bean love, people...these are insanely delicious! This recipe is one of my favorites from my third cookbook, Radiance 4 Life. It's very quick and easy to put together, but does require smoked paprika. You can usually find this divine elixir of spice in health food stores, many supermarkets, and most international food markets. It's worth the (relatively inexpensive) purchase though - smoked paprika will lend a rich, earthy, complex flavor like nothing else. It's also great sprinkled on babaganoush or hummus, or as a seasoning for a wide variety of dishes.

So, without further delay...

Hungarian Chickpeas!

▪ 15 oz. can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

▪ 2 tablespoons pitted and quartered kalamata olives (or other Greek olives)

▪ 2 tablespoons each: raisins, chopped cilantro, and minced yellow or white onion

▪ 1 tablespoon each: extra-virgin olive oil and raw agave nectar

▪ 2 teaspoons each: dijon mustard, fresh lime juice, and smoked paprika

▪ 1 teaspoon dried oregano

▪ 2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed

▪ ½ teaspoon sea salt

Combine all of the ingredients and stir very well. Serve cold or at room temperature. This will keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, for up to a week.

 Serves 2/GF/SF/Green (according to the health guidelines in my books)

30 Minutes or Under!