Chad Salad

Chad Salad Recipe - Grain, Cucumber, Bananas, Raisins, Almonds, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper

Region / culture: Chad | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chad Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of Fair Trade ingredients with a refreshing mix of fruits and nuts. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Chad Salad is inspired by the traditional cuisine of Chad, a country in Central Africa known for its use of fresh and flavorful ingredients. This recipe has been adapted to include Fair Trade ingredients, making it both delicious and socially responsible.

Ingredients

150 g of Fair Trade long grain brown rice
1 small cucumber
2 FAIRTRADE bananas
50 g of FAIRTRADE raisins
15 ml of chopped almonds
60 ml of olive oil
20 ml of FAIRTRADE lemon juice
zest of 1 FAIRTRADE lemon
5 ml of salt
2.5 ml of Fair trade ground coriander
2.5 ml of Fair trade ground cumin
2.5 ml of Fair trade cayenne pepper
5 ml of Organic FAIRTRADE runny honey

How to prepare

Cook the rice using the standard method, rinse, and let it cool.
Slice the cucumber.
Peel and slice the bananas.
Combine the rice, cucumber, bananas, raisins, and almonds in a salad bowl, and gently mix them together.
Prepare the dressing by mixing lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, coriander, cumin, cayenne, and honey.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then serve.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute quinoa for the brown rice for a gluten-free option.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as mint or cilantro, for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite fruits and nuts for added variety.

Serving Suggestions

Chad Salad can be served as a light lunch on its own or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions for the best results.

- Gently mix the salad ingredients together to avoid crushing the bananas and cucumbers.

- Chill the salad before serving to enhance the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of rice or grain in place of the brown rice.

- Swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans.

- Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chad Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply mix the salad ingredients together and prepare the dressing separately. Combine the two just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chad Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped almonds or fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or fish, as well as vegetarian dishes like grilled tofu or tempeh. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chad Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chad Salad contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying dish that is perfect for a healthy meal.

Carbohydrates

The main source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the brown rice, bananas, and raisins. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The olive oil and almonds in this recipe provide healthy fats that are important for brain function and heart health. These fats also help the body absorb vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

While this salad is not high in protein, the almonds and rice do provide some protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lemon juice, potassium from the bananas, and iron from the raisins. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients before preparing this dish.

Summary

Chad Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a well-rounded meal that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

Summary

Chad Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With a mix of Fair Trade ingredients, fruits, and nuts, this salad is both flavorful and socially responsible. Enjoy this refreshing dish with friends and family for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit a quaint little farmers market in the countryside. As I meandered through the rows of fresh produce and homemade goods, a charming elderly woman caught my eye.

She was sitting behind a small wooden table, surrounded by an array of vibrant vegetables and herbs. Curious, I approached her and struck up a conversation. As we chatted, she mentioned a salad recipe that she had learned from her grandmother many years ago. Intrigued, I asked her to share the recipe with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, she began to recount the ingredients and steps required to make the dish she called "Chad Salad." It was a simple yet flavorful recipe that combined ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy onions, and fragrant herbs with a light vinaigrette dressing.

I was captivated by her storytelling and the passion she exuded as she described each ingredient and its importance in creating the perfect balance of flavors. I could tell that this salad held a special place in her heart, as it had been passed down through generations of her family.

After jotting down the recipe in my notebook, I thanked the woman for sharing her culinary heritage with me. I couldn't wait to try making Chad Salad at home and share it with my own family.

When I returned to my kitchen, I gathered the freshest ingredients I could find and set to work preparing the salad. As I chopped the vegetables and whisked together the dressing, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the woman from the farmers market and her grandmother who had originally created this recipe.

Once the salad was assembled and dressed, I took a moment to savor the aroma of the herbs and the vibrant colors of the vegetables. I knew that this dish would not only be delicious but also carry with it a piece of history and tradition that I was honored to be a part of.

When my family sat down to enjoy the Chad Salad that evening, I watched as their faces lit up with delight at the fresh and flavorful dish before them. As they savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction at being able to recreate a recipe that had been handed down through the generations.

From that day on, Chad Salad became a staple in our household, enjoyed at family gatherings and shared with friends who marveled at its simplicity and deliciousness. I continued to make the salad regularly, each time feeling a connection to the woman from the farmers market and the grandmother who had first created this culinary masterpiece.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe for Chad Salad with many others, passing on the tradition and story behind it. It became a beloved dish in our family, with each generation adding their own twist to the original recipe.

I often think back to that warm summer day at the farmers market when I first learned how to make Chad Salad. It was a moment that sparked a passion for cooking and connecting with others through food, a passion that continues to bring joy and fulfillment to my life.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Chad Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the woman who shared her recipe with me and for the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through the generations. This salad will forever hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who have enjoyed it with me.