Saturday, January 20, 2007

LIGHT & HEALTHY


BULGUR & BLACK BEAN SALAD

First off, I am NOT a purist when it comes to "organic".
If at possible, and the pocketbook allows, I will always get organic anything. (unfortunately, since we are feeding 6 on a tight budget, most of the organics I buy are of the leafy green variety, (almost always on sale or "reduced")
with some grains thrown in. Organic meats are, for right now, out of the question.)
BUT...when you can get organic bulgur for only $1.25 #, then by all means, that's what I'll use.
And...if you are watching what you eat after the holiday over-kill, then this salad is perfect!


To 1 cup cooked bulgur add:
1 can black beans, rinsed (I used black soy beans, as that is what I had, but really, any bean would do. I am particularly fond of cannellini beans, and I think they would be perfect as a black bean substitute, tho the soy beans are chock full of protein!)
1 red/orange/yellow pepper, chopped small
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped cucumber

Dressing: whisk together...
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (is there ANY other kind???) Actually, there is, and I have some in the door of my fridge...but this time I DID use fresh, as that is always preferable to me)
2 TBL balsamic vinegar (tho I think a rice wine vinegar would also be nice)
1 teas cumin ( I LOVE cumin, but be careful, too much is like, really, too much)
1/2 teas kosher salt
1 TBL fresh, chopped garlic ( I nearly always add more garlic than the recipe indicates...sorry dear husband!!)
Toss into the bulgur/veggie/bean mix
Serve chilled or room temp
Usually I am drooling by the time I finish creating this, so I get a bowl and dig in.
Today, this was brunch.
Too late for breakfast, and too early to be fixin' a hearty lunch.

Typically, I would serve this along side maybe a small grilled tuna filet, or small chunk of baked salmon.
Bulgur and black bean salad.
YUM!
What are some of your favorite ways to slim down and cut back?
Talk to me!
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15 comments:

Lovella ♥ said...

Oh dear, now I'm in a bit of a quandry. I've just set a lovely pan of Cinnamon Rolls out to rise. Perhaps we'll start our lunch with a bit of healthy salad and finish it with bit of fresh bun, . . I'm so weak.

Rachel said...

This looks wonderful!! I'm just trying to drink more water and stay away from fast food and eating out.

Cheryl said...

Looks great...I'm a cumin fan also!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Walk in flea markets :) Well, you asked!

R said...

Hi, Cyndi! I changed my blog URL before I had a chance to let everyone know. I also had no idea I would lose all my 'sidebar' links. Anyway - just wanted to let you know... I'm still here:
(http://stitcheryfriend.blogspot.com)

Unknown said...

Walk. Spend more time on myself.

Anonymous said...

i'm still working on that part! will have to add this light and healthy to my collection.

Clare and Mike said...

That sounds lovely, what a great dish! I love healthy food!

kansasrose said...

Oh this looks so yummy Cyn! I love your tutorials! You are so inspiring...I drink tons of water...walk and clean more...and eat fresh anything...I have read some good stuff about almonds...I am going to start some greens in my greenhouse next month for salads! I love beans...in anything! Wish I could grow black and pinto beans... Thank you sweetie for your prayers and love and support this weekend...You and Joy are my true blue farmeresses! Jesus ROCKS!

savvycityfarmer said...

Well, now...I DO eat very healthy but still fight the "battle" every day...I guess "if it's not in the house you won't eat it" adage is still true...as far as bulgar is concerned, I'm a health food store geek, cuz I DO NOT know what it is...and to me, well lets' just say that flatbreads and a slice of cheese sounds a whole lot more desirable.

PamKittyMorning said...

That looks so darn good!

Anonymous said...

Since I have to go to work in an office every day and sit in front of a computer, I've been bringing my lunch much more regularly. I use bento boxes which are cute little Japanese lunch boxes, so they really control my portion size and make lunchtime fun. I also have added a lot more green vegetables to my diet, and that has made me feel a lot better. I still have a lot of bulge to battle, but I'm on my way :o)

Cin said...

Hi Cyn,

Yes I did try the soup, delicious! (I made yeast rolls too!) and the laundry detergent, it was very easy to make and it even smells good. My daughter had fun helping and stirring. It's all I use now! I'll post about it soon. :-)

Thanks!!

homespun living said...

This sounds really good! Reminds me of a similar recipe I love with black beans. Thanks for the recipe.
Debbie

Rosa said...

MMMmmmm, I love any type of salad with beans! Such good protein there! I try and eat a salad for lunch every day. Even though I have yet to lose a pound, I do feel better. Yes, and lots and lots of water! Beans and franks when the budget is tight!