In the heart of a bustling farmers’ market, I stumbled upon a vendor who was passionately displaying a variety of ancient grains. Their colors and textures danced in the sunlight, and I was immediately captivated by their allure. As I sampled a few, the nutty flavors and hearty textures sparked a wave of creativity in me. I envisioned a vibrant salad that would highlight these gems of the culinary world. Thus, the Ancient Grain Delight was born.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 cup farro
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup almonds, sliced
½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove the natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. Place the rinsed quinoa in a pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering it for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Allow it to cool.
While the quinoa cooks, rinse the farro under cold water as well. In a separate pot, combine the farro with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, and then let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain any excess water and let it cool alongside the quinoa.
Once both grains are cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, fresh parsley, and feta cheese. The colors should start to pop, creating a beautiful mosaic of ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This zesty vinaigrette will tie all the flavors together, bringing a refreshing brightness to the dish.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Finally, sprinkle the sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, and watch as your guests marvel at the delicious harmony of textures and flavors.
As I watched my friends savor each bite, I realized that this dish was more than just a salad; it was a celebration of the earth’s bounty and a reminder of the simple joys found in sharing good food. The Ancient Grain Delight not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the spirit.