Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing

Vegetarian Recipe: Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing from Barbados

Region / culture: Barbados | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing is a refreshing and tangy salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of grated carrots, steamed green beans, shredded white cabbage, and grated cucumber creates a colorful and nutritious dish that is bursting with flavor.

History

This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Barbados cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The tangy dressing made with Barbados sugar, cider vinegar, lemon juice, and turmeric adds a unique twist to the traditional vegetable salad.

Ingredients

6 carrots, grated
1.5 cups green beans, steamed
1.5 cups shredded white cabbage
1 cucumber, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp Barbados sugar
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground turmeric

How to prepare

Combine carrots, steamed green beans, white cabbage, and cucumber in a glass bowl.
Combine garlic, black pepper, Barbados sugar, cider vinegar, lemon juice, and turmeric.
Toss the vegetables in this dressing.
Chill, covered, for 4 hours.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
Drizzle with a creamy tahini dressing for a Middle Eastern twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to steam the green beans until they are tender but still crisp to maintain their vibrant green color and crunchy texture.

- Grate the carrots and cucumber finely to ensure that they absorb the flavors of the dressing and blend well with the other vegetables.

- Adjust the amount of Barbados sugar and lemon juice according to your taste preferences for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken for a complete and balanced meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the green beans helps to retain their nutrients and vibrant color.

- Grating the carrots and cucumber ensures that they absorb the flavors of the dressing and blend well with the other vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of Barbados sugar for a different sweetness.

- Substitute white vinegar or rice vinegar for cider vinegar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large glass bowl or on individual plates garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the tangy flavors of the salad. It also pairs well with a light and refreshing beer, such as a pilsner or wheat beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 15g

Fats

Total Fat: 0.5g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 150%

Vitamin C: 40%

Iron: 6%

Calcium: 4%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Summary

Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense salad that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing is a colorful and flavorful salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it is a refreshing option for any occasion. Enjoy this nutrient-dense dish as a side or a snack for a burst of flavor and nutrition.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing. It was many years ago, on a warm summer day in the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados. I was visiting my dear friend, Evelyn, who was a wonderful cook and always had the most delicious recipes to share.

Evelyn and I had spent the morning exploring the local markets, picking out fresh produce and vibrant herbs. As we made our way back to her cozy kitchen, she suddenly stopped in her tracks and pointed to a small stall tucked away in a corner of the market. "That's where we're going next," she declared with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Curious, I followed Evelyn to the stall, where a friendly older woman was selling an array of exotic spices and seasonings. Evelyn greeted her warmly and they exchanged a few words in the local dialect before the woman handed her a small packet of dried herbs with a knowing smile.

As we continued on our journey back to Evelyn's kitchen, she explained to me that the woman at the stall had given her a special recipe for a tangy lemon dressing that was perfect for drizzling over fresh vegetables. She had been using it for years, she said, and it was always a hit with her guests.

Once we arrived back at Evelyn's kitchen, she wasted no time in getting the ingredients ready. We chopped up a colorful assortment of vegetables – crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. We tossed them all together in a big bowl and then drizzled the zesty lemon dressing over the top.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise. The flavors were bright and bold, with the tangy lemon perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables. It was a dish that tasted like sunshine on a plate.

From that day on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, and it always received rave reviews. Whenever I prepared it, I would think of Evelyn and our magical day in Barbados, discovering a recipe that would become a beloved favorite.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different variations. Sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch, or a handful of sweet dried fruits for a pop of sweetness. But no matter how I choose to customize it, the core flavors of the Lemony Veggies in Barbados Dressing always shine through.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in Barbados, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. Each recipe I have collected along the way tells a story, a snapshot of a moment in time that I can revisit whenever I recreate the dish.

And so, as I continue to share my passion for cooking with my own grandchildren, I hope that they too will be inspired to seek out new recipes, explore different flavors, and create their own culinary memories. Who knows what delicious discoveries await them – perhaps a tangy lemon dressing from a faraway island, just waiting to be shared with loved ones.