Amelia's Tasty Tabbouleh Salad


Since young adulthood, I have always loved to cook.   I find it to be a great creative outlet,mentally  stimulating, as well a way to lessen the financial burden and stay healthy.

 

Since COVID19, it has changed my whole outlook on food.   Food shopping and food prep  has become a major part of my life.  Sunday is the day I do all my cooking for the week.  

 

With music playing in the background, I create the masterpieces of the week.   This week one of the recipes I created is Tabbouleh Salad.  Since I  prefer gluten free, I am substituting the Bulgar wheat with gluten free quinoa.

 

About the origin of Tabbouleh Salad                                         


Tabbouleh is traditionally Middle Eastern and served as a side dish. It’s popularity has grown in Western cultures.The wheat variety salamouni cultivated in the Beqaa Valley region in Lebanon, was considered (in (the mid-19th century) as particularly well-suited for making Bulgar, a basic ingredient of tabbouleh.


What is Quinoa?     


Quinoa is a flowering plant in the amaranth family. It is a herbaceous annual plant grown as a crop primarily for its edible seeds. These seeds are rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary minerals in amounts greater than in many grains. Quinoa is not a grass, but rather a pseudo cereal botanically related to spinach and amaranth. Originated in the Andean region of northwestern South. America.amaranth. Originated in the Andean region of northwestern South America 

Health benefits of quinoa                                                                 

Quinoa is gluten-free food suitable for people who are intolerant or allergic to gluten.    Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered when you eat gluten. Research indicates that using quinoa in a gluten-free diet, instead of other common gluten-free ingredients, dramatically increases the nutrient and antioxidant value of your diet. Quinoa is higher in protein than similar foods, such as rice, corn, and whole wheat.  Protein is considered a key factor for weight loss. It boosts metabolism and feelings of fullness.

In doing so, it may help prevent obesity and related diseases .Quinoa has many properties that make it a weight loss friendly food..                                                                                         

It has been known to lower both blood triglycerides and free fatty acids. It also affected blood sugar levels to a lesser degree than gluten-free pasta, gluten-free bread, and traditional bread.   Quinoa is higher in fiber low-glycemic food.. The fiber in Quinoa  promotes weight loss by decreasing calorie intake and increasing feelings of fullness.  By improving gut health,the result is weight loss.   

Tasty Tri Colored Quinoa                 

1 Cup of dried tri-colored Quinoa        

2 Cup of water 1 large bunch of fresh parsley ( Italian or Curly)

1 small bunch fresh mint coarsely chopped

1 large bunch of fresh dill coarsely chopped

1 medium red onion diced

1 cup of celery diced                                           

1 cup of carrots ribbon peeled.

1 cup of large diced tomato (2 large tomatoes).

½ cup lemon juice

 (5 lemons freshly squeezed).

4 tablespoons of cumin.

Salt & Pepper



Equipment:

1 medium pot  

1 cutting board

1 Knife

1 Vegetable Peeler


Quinoa Cooking Preparation:


Add 2 cups of water to a medium size pot.                                                                     Add the dry Quinoa to the water.

Bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked.

When the grain is cooked it should look translucent with the   germ ring around the outside of the grain.Transfer into a large bowl to cool.


In a large bowl combine tri-colored quinoa with:

Red onion large dice

Cut celery into large dice

Peel carrots into paper thin slices with vegetable peeler ….cut into bite size pieces.

2 tomatoes scooped seeds out…. Dice into bite size pieces.

Add coarsely chopped fresh parsley,mint,and dill.

Squeeze 5 fresh Lemon or ½ cup of Lemon juice 

Add lemon juice to the quinoa, vegetables and herbs.

4 Tablespoons of cumin

Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together

Put mixture in the refrigerator until ready to eat.  


The longer it marinates the better it tastes!!!!

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