MEDITERRANEAN FARRO SALAD WITH SPICED CHICKPEAS

the nutty flavor is fairly neutral, you can combine it with just about anything. I went with a classic tomato and cucumber combo, seasoned and sautéed some chickpeas, then topped it off with my favorite creamy (and vegan) tahini dressing.

MEDITERRANEAN FARRO SALAD WITH SPICED CHICKPEAS:

INGREDIENTS
DRESSING

• 1/3 cup tahini 
• 1/3 cup water 
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin 
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 
• 1/2 tsp salt 

SPICED CHICKPEAS

• 15 oz. can chickpeas 
• 1 Tbsp olive oil 
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder 
• 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
• Freshly cracked pepper (10-15 cranks of a mill) 
• Salt to taste 

SALAD

iklan tengah

• 3 cups cooked farro (or other grain) 
• 2 Roma tomatoes 
• 1 cucumber 
• 1/4 bunch parsley 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the dressing, combine the tahini, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Set the dressing aside until ready to use (keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days).
2. Rinse and drain the chickpeas in a colander. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the drained chick peas. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and some freshly cracked pepper over top. Stir the chickpeas to coat in the spices, then continue to sauté for about five minutes, or until the outside of the chickpeas are slightly browned and blistered. Season with salt to taste.
3. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley. Place about 3/4 cup cooked farro in each bowl, then top with chopped tomato, chopped cucumber, spiced chickpeas, and a large pinch of chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing over top and serve.

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