Hi Everyone,
I just noticed this Mediterranean forum and thought I'd check it out. Over the past several years, I have unconsciously changed my eating habits to align with Med. countries. I just naturally gravitated toward fruit, veggies & whole grains, etc. without really thinking about it. One thing I have figured out is that if I eat pasta, even the whole wheat kind, it's a guaranteed 2 pound weight gain. I don't know what it is, but pasta and me...we don't get along
So, I went looking for a pasta salad substitute and came up with a WONDERFUL recipe for Lentil salad. I thought I'd share it. It's easy and uses ingredients you probably already have.
All I do is boil up some lentils, whole barley (and any other whole grain you like). While they are cooking, I chop up the veggies. You can use any combo you like, but I use celery, onion, cucumber, green peppers, black olives, artichoke hearts, etc. I rinse the lentils/barley in cold water (I like the salad to be cold) and mix in with the veggies. For a dressing I have used bottled italian, in a pinch...otherwise, I drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil, some red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, thyme and garlic and basil. Toss it all up with some feta cheese, if you like it. Serve on a nice bed of fresh spinach.
It is hearty enough to be a whole meal. But it's also really good with a side of steak or chicken...ooh, shrimp would be good too!
I've never thought about the calories, but it's so healthy! I think if you keep the olive oil to a minimum, the calories are pretty low.
I'd love to hear about your favorite recipes too!
Julie