INDIAN CARROT LENTIL SALAD with CURRY TAHINI DRESSING (Vegan) 📷 FOOD PHOTO SHOOT & RECIPE 📷
For all you steemians trying to eat a bit healthier, here's an idea for you!
Is it just me or does life always seem to get the craziest when you think it’s going to slow down? It’s as if just by being hopeful for a little break in the rush you somehow make things worse. I’ve honestly been struggling a little bit recently to write about food sometimes amidst so many different things going on around me. I guess it’s just life but it’s sort of looking more and more like a big mess of chaos from where I’m standing at the moment.
I’m not saying that it’s all negative stuff either, actually a lot of it is good. Plus, I believe that looking at life with a positive attitude, even the hard parts of it, can make so much difference.
I know that curry is an acquired taste to so many people, and you know what, that’s totally cool because we all have our own tastes. If it’s not you’re thing I get it, and you can actually just leave it out of this recipe all together, but if it is something you like then you simply have got to try this dressing, YUM!
I wanted this to be a recipe that as many people as possible could enjoy, so I sort of did two different versions of the dressing so that one would be vegan friendly and I’m not sure which one I liked better. You guys already know that I’m not a vegan, and I have to tell you that I’m obsessed with Greek yogurt so I love the non-vegan version. However, the version with coconut milk is also SO good! Now that I’ve done them both I don’t know which to recommend, but I guess for some of you it will be easy to choose if you’re vegan or have a dairy allergy. But since I’m not I’m considering doing a half and half version next time. What do you think?
So anyway, I’d say one of the best parts of making salads is that they are fast and easy, but yet they’re so versatile and healthy too. (This salad can so simple and it can be switched up to fit your taste. For example, I used lentils and peas to add protein and fiber, but it would be just as good to use chickpeas or white beans instead. Also, the veggies can all be swapped out for things that are currently in season in you’re area. Oh, and speaking of seasons, if it’s cold where you live then I wanted to remember to let you know this salad is something that’s also good warm. That’s right, just toss it with the dressing in a skillet just long enough to warm and slightly soften the veggies and enjoy!
RECIPE
Ingredients
Curry Tahini Dressing:
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk (or for a lighter option you can use Greek yogurt if not vegan)
3 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon curry powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Salad:
4 large carrots, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups cooked lentils, rinsed well
1 1/2 cups raw cauliflower florets, roughly chopped
1/4 head Napa cabbage, roughly chopped
2 cups, shelled spring peas
1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
1 pomegranate, just the arils/seeds
2 green onions, diced
Instructions
Curry Tahini Dressing:
- Combine all the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake it very well to mix. Another method is to just mix it in a bowl with a whisk and both methods work fine but I usually go for the jar because you can then store it as it is in your fridge (-> Less dishes!)
Salad:
- Set aside a small portion of the pomegranate arils, green onions, and pistachios for topping, then toss all the ingredients for the salad together in a large bowl.
- When ready to serve add the dressing and toss the salad to coat everything, or if preferred you can serve the dressing on the side.
- Store the dressing and salad separately in air-tight containers in the fridge until ready to serve. It should stay pretty fresh like that for up to 3 days (I've actually kept it longer and it was still great.), but salads are best fresh.em
For several posts to come, I will be asking what you would like to see @gringalicious make for you. I am open to all ideas that you have. It doesn't mean I'll make it, but I know it will give me inspiration. So, tell, what would you like?
Simply by going by the performance of my posts, steemitville likes my sweets. As a whole, my savory and/or healthy dishes do not do as well. And it maybe no surprise, chocolate is the front runner every time.
ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D5300 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.
UPVOTE AND FOLLOW ME
You had me at Indian, and lost me at yogurt. lol However so glad you provided options with the coconut milk alternative because I can't stand yogurt, I don't know why. My tongue just says, "Get that off of me, ewww." Haha
Looks like a delicious salad by the way. Middle eastern dishes are such a cuisine with rich flavors and spices. It never gets old to me. Upvoted
Sorry about the yogurt thing. My Dad is not a fan either. When it is in recipes like this, you don't notice it, I promise. But, I did give you the alternative, you're right.
No need to be sorry, it's not your fault for how my taste buds were created lol
I'ts funny - in cooking, I don't like so many ingredients. But in salads, I like them best when they have a lot of different plants, and cut up small, so the flavors mix together -- just like your salads here. These look so good. They would have so many flavors. Chocolate and sweets are nice, but I've been enjoying your non-sweet food. And I think this is one of my favorite things that you have made.
I hope your chaos settles down - or that you settle into your chaos. Whichever you prefer, lol.
Wise words, "settle into your chaos." Well, we will see. Until then, I will ponder on this little phrase.
Thanks so much for the awesome kind words about the post. I am glad to see such a positive response to a non-sweet.
You're welcome. And with spring coming on in the northern hemisphere, it will be interesting to see if folks start to like more healthy, fresh food posts, too.
Yeah, we'll see. My access to pretty vibrant veggies get's a little more slim in the winter here, your summer. But, I'll figure it out
Maybe you will be reduced to weeds, lol. I am impressed with your ability to work in the opposite season of most of Steemit. Thank goodness chocolate is always in season! ; )
Yes, you are so correct, chocolate is always in season!
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It is very cool! I feed my family in the evening :)
I love your healthy eating! You are well done!
Thanks so much @garik-vrn!
I like it too much to just walk away without saying; this is an amazing salad! Nicely done!
You are so kind, thanks so much!
A recipe right up my alley! Excellent post!
I am so glad. Taking a break from the sweets for a moment. Thank you for your support as always!
It looks amazing. Interesting recipe, I like it a lot! Very nice work @gringalicious!
You are so kind, thanks so much!!
Curry tahini. Mmm mmmm yum!
So glad to have your approval, seriously, it's important to me. Ok, I am done being serious
Serious is overrated ;0)
As usual, you are absolutely correct
@gringalicious, this is a beautiful post. I love salads.
Wow, do you ever sleep? Thank you so much for commenting