REFRESHING WHEAT BERRIES SALAD

Autumn is almost here: days are getting shorter, though still not yet any cooler! Refreshing salad is a great bite any time of the year!

This is a salad that my 7th grade geography teacher once made and I can still remember the explosion of flavors in my mouth when I ate that first bite! It is refreshing, tasty, and filling.

Ingredients:
(for printable recipe click here)

2 cups cooked wheat berries

½ cup pickles cut into small cubes

1 large ripe tomato cut in small cubes

½ cup pickled hot banana peppers

¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

½ small onion, finely chopped

½ cup pitted black olives cut into circles

juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2-3 tbsp virgin olive oil

½ tsp salt (or to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp chili powder or crushed chili pepper

1 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika

¼ tsp cumin

Direction:

Into a big enough bowl, put cooked wheat berries, salt, pepper, all spices, lemon juice, vinegar, and oil. Mix to combine and set aside.

Cut all the vegetables and add them to wheat berries mix. Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least ½ an hour before serving.

RICE&LENTILS

For me rice and lentils is that fulfilling dish on a day I don't want to have meat on the table.

Lentils are often called "the poor ones meat". Why? Answer is simple: Lentils are rich in protein, with over 25% of lentils nutritional value being protein. This is what makes lentils the most popular and inexpensive source for protein, especially for those, who cannot afford meat and for vegetarians. And yet another benefit of lentils: Lentils fiber content may also prevents the sudden hike in blood sugar levels after a meal.

But there is nothing poor about lentils.They are versatile as a cooking ingredient for you can make a soup, a casserole, or even meatballs with them. They are rich in taste: they have that pleasant nutty taste, and become creamy and soft when cooked. So for those with heath resolutions for the new upcoming year, I would definitely recommend more lentils on their plates.

RICE&LENTILS

AVOCADO in a SALAD

It is so easy to just to have something not so healthy for a meal, especially when in rush at lunch time. But there are so many simple and delicious salads that can be put together so quickly. All one has to do is to make sure that there is always some ready to use lettuce, some diced tomatoes, or any other veggie in the fridge to put you on the healthier track. And what to do to avoid using dressing to top your salad? Just keep a few avocados on hand and you won’t miss them. Avocado is that creamy fruit that can satisfy even the pickiest eater. As can adding the avocado to the salad replace the dressing, so can adding avocado to your sandwich replace the mayo or cheese. And you are yet one more step closer to healthier you.

Avocado In A Salad

So, let’s talk about avocados for a while.

The avocado was unflatteringly known in the past as alligator pear, midshipman's butter, vegetable butter, or sometimes as butter pear.

SIMLPE SALAD with TAHINI DRESSING

This simple salad pares well with rice dishes, and if you have falafel on hands, you can put together the “bestest” sandwich, wrap or pita pocket ever.

You can find the recipe for falafel here: http://indulginglife.blogspot.com/2010/09/best-veggie-patties-ever-falafel.html#links 

Simlpe Salad With Tahini Dressing