Monday, June 15, 2009

Berry Grain Salad

The Orillia Veggie group had a display table at Orillia's Arts for Peace festival this summer. We brought a sample dish for people to taste, and decided to go with a favourite - Berry Grain Salad.

Made with quinoa, which is a bit of a miracle grain (the only grain which is a complete protein), it also has walnuts and flax oil to get some Omega 3 fats as well.

This salad by the way has no dairy, honey, eggs etc - completely vegan.



Berry-Grain Salad

1 1/2 cups dry quinoa (may substitute with millet, kasha, rice, or a combination)
3 cups water
1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1/2 cups dried cranberries or cherries
2 medium stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cups sunflower seeds (roasted or raw)
1/4 cups chopped green onions
1/4 cups chopped parsley or cilantro

Dressing

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp flax or hemp oil
3/4 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup orange juice or 2 tbsp (or more to taste) lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Pour water into a pot and bring to boil over high heat. Rinse quinoa well and add to pot. Reduce heat to low, then cover and simmer without disturbing for 20 minutes. Uncover (all the water should now be absorbed) and let sit until cool - put in fridge to cool faster. Fluff with a fork and turn the quinoa into a large bowl.

Add remaining salad ingredients and toss lightly.
In a separate bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients with a whisk. Pour over salad and toss to coat evenly.
May be served immediately or covered and refrigerated overnight.