Freekeh Fritters and Kale Salad

Indulge in the delectable combination of warm, whole-grain fritters nestled on a bed of perfectly dressed kale salad. The brilliance of this dish lies in its zesty dressing, customizable to your taste, elevating the flavors to unbeatable heights. Roasted asparagus, complemented by the slightly sweet roasted parsnip, join forces with vibrant baby kale to create a salad that’s both nourishing and delightful. With the addition of our Freekeh Fritters, prepared to perfection, this recipe promises a wholesome and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds dancing.

YIELD: This Freekeh Fritters and Kale Salad recipe yields 4 servings of deliciousness.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Salad and Fritters:

• 6 to 8 stalks asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 1 parsnip, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) slices, optional
• 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 5 ounces (140 g) baby kale
• Few slices red onion, halved or quartered
• Handful cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 recipe Freekeh Fritters, prepared

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon (16 g) tahini paste
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (18 g) light miso (such as South River Sweet Brown Rice Miso)
• 2 teaspoons harissa, or to taste
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, or gas mark 6).
2. To prepare the salad: In separate bowls, toss the asparagus and parsnip with 1 teaspoon of oil each. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on opposite ends of a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Bake the asparagus for about 10 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a plate to cool. Bake the parsnips for approximately 15 minutes or until tender. Transfer to the same plate. Allow them to cool, and then toss the asparagus, parsnip, and all the remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl.
4. To prepare the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients, except salt and pepper, in a small blender. Process until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional harissa, salt, and pepper as desired.
5. To serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Divide the salad evenly among 4 plates. Top each serving with a quarter of the Freekeh Fritters.

Revel in the delightful combination of textures and flavors as you savor each bite. The Freekeh Fritters add a hearty crunch to the salad, complementing the freshness of baby kale, roasted asparagus, and the subtle sweetness of parsnip. Delight in the zesty notes of the dressing, which brings everything together for a delightful dining experience.

So, embark on a journey of taste and texture with this flavorful Tex-Mex Freekeh Salad. Customize it to your liking, adding your favorite toppings for a personal touch. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of whole freekeh, nutritious black beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together by a zesty dressing. This salad is a celebration of creativity and nourishment that will surely satisfy your palate. Bon appétit!