In a quaint little village known for its lush fields, I stumbled upon a farmer’s market bursting with colors and aromas that captured my imagination. Among the vibrant stalls, I was drawn to a display of ancient grains, each one telling a story of time-honored traditions and nourishing the body for generations. Inspired by this encounter, I created a dish that celebrates the wholesome goodness of these grains, complemented by the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables and a zesty lemon tahini dressing.
Ingredients
For the Ancient Grain Medley:
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup farro
1/2 cup freekeh
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Vegetables:
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Tahini Dressing:
1/3 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Water, to thin
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the quinoa, farro, and freekeh under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a large pot, combine these ancient grains with vegetable broth, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the grains are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in an even layer and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are caramelized and tender.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the lemon tahini dressing by combining tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and maple syrup in a bowl. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency—it should be creamy yet pourable.
Once the grains and vegetables are ready, combine them in a large bowl, mixing gently to incorporate. Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the top and toss lightly to coat everything in its creamy goodness.
Serve this ancient grain medley warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, bringing the essence of that vibrant market to your table.