In the north it's strawberry season! I am excited to share one of my favorite strawberry recipes this month: Fresh Strawberry Tabbouleh The cucumber and mint give it a coolness. The strawberry lends a sweet, tart fragrant flavor. These are intermingled with lemon and the saltiness of feta cheese. Delicious! |
You can serve it as a side dish or add some chicken or shrimp and it can be a complete meal. I brought this to a potluck recently and received a lot of compliments. I added pansies, violets and sprigs of mint to bring in the beauty of my spring garden. Pansies and violets are edible flowers! When serving, include a green salad and a beautiful glass of sparkling water, wine or hard cider chilled with frozen strawberries (as shown). Refreshing!
Ingredients to serve 2 (double for 4) 1/2 c. quinoa 2 green onions, finely slice both white and green parts 1 cup medium strawberries--quartered--not too small so you taste the berry 1/2 English cucumber, 1/4 inch cubed 1/4 c. finely chopped mint leaves 1/3 c. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley Option: Substitute basil for parsley 1/4 c. raw walnut pieces Zest and juice of 1 med. organic lemon 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar a drop of honey--about 1/2 tsp 2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 t sea salt 1/4-1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper 1/3 c. crumbled feta cheese (opt) |
- Prepare quinoa according to the directions on the package. Fluff with a fork and either set it aside or put it in a metal mixing bowl to cool quickly.
- After the quinoa is cool, add the cucumber, strawberries, onions, mint, parsley and walnuts. Mix together gently.
- In a small bowl add the lemon juice and zest, balsamic vinegar, drop of honey, sea salt and black pepper. Whisk in the olive oil. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Gently stir the dressing into the quinoa combination. Fold in feta cheese. Chill until ready to serve.
- The tabbouleh should keep covered in the refrigerator for 3 days, but it is best when it is fresh.
Adapted from Sara's Strawberry Tabbouleh, The Sprouted Kitchen Bowl + Spoon by Sara Forte, http://www.loveandlemons.com/2015/06/03/saras-strawberry-tabbouleh/
Where to buy your fresh, local strawberries? Check your local farmers market or buy strawberries from you healthy grocery store. I recommend that you stick with organic strawberries because strawberries top the dirty dozen list with the highest chemical residue of any fruit or veggie tested. In USDA testing, a whopping 98% of strawberries had detectible residues for at least one pesticide.
Strawberries are easy to freeze, too. Just wash them, remove the stems and place dry berries on a tray in the freezer until frozen. Store them in freezer bags for up to a year.
Have a Berry Good Week!
Lots of Love,
Karen
Strawberries are easy to freeze, too. Just wash them, remove the stems and place dry berries on a tray in the freezer until frozen. Store them in freezer bags for up to a year.
Have a Berry Good Week!
Lots of Love,
Karen
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