Fine Fixin’s: North African Chickpea Salad

We seem to be finding more and more vegetarian dishes that we like, which comes as a surprise since Sarah doesn’t even like vegetables! Here’s our latest veg option featuring our favorite ingredient…chickpeas! We also rounded this out with some tomato lemon couscous, which ended up being great. Maybe we’ll post about that a little further down the line.

North African Chickpea Salad

2 (15.5 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 carrot, peeled and grated
½ cup raisins
2 Tablespoons fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1 small garlic clove, minced or pressed (about ½ teaspoon)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
salt and ground black pepper

1) In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine chickpeas, grated carrots, raisins and mint. Stir.

2) In a separate small bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Whisk it together, like you would a dressing. Pour over chickpea mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve at whatever temperature you like. Sarah liked it heated best.

From: America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook

You might also note that tall glass which is prominently featured below. That’s just an Arnold Palmer, Sarah’s new favorite drink. Hopefully this nice weather lasts long enough to enjoy a few more!

Swig & Swill: Cucumber Ice Cubes

Excuse me, would you like to add some sophistication to that cocktail? Well, why not try some cucumber ice cubes?

Cucumber ice. Simple, sophisticated, refreshing.

If you’re looking for ways to add a little class to your drinks, why not freeze up some cucumber ice cubes? All you need to do is peel a cucumber, chop it up a bit and throw it in a blender along with a liter or so of water. Purée, and freeze in an ice cube tray. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy the perfect gin and tonic. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you might try my variation on the Porch Swing Coctail.

Veranda Tippler

2oz Tanqueray No. 10
1.5oz Pimm’s No. 1
4oz Lemonade (1 part fresh lemon juice, 3/4 part ginger simple syrup, 2 parts water)

Pour all ingredients into a large Collins glass over cucumber ice cubes and top with a splash of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with cumber and lemon slices.