Tabbouleh Salad

I was given fresh herbs by a friend this week, so a bundle of fresh mint brought me thinking to tabbouleh.  This is my version that was refreshing.

Tabbouleh Salad

-1 cup of quinoa
-the juice and zest of two lemons
-1 cup parsley finely chopped
-1 cup mint finely chopped
-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
-1 red onion
-3 tomatoes
-salt and lots of pepper

-in a large pot bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add quinoa and reduce to simmer for 20 minutes.  Chop the tomatoes, the parsley, mint and the onion.  Place a bowl.  Add the cooked quinoa and mix.  Zest the 2 lemons and add the juice.  Then add the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and oil.  Mix well and add salt and pepper.  I love the pepper in this salad.

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad with quinoa

So tonight I so far have decided to use up quinoa from the other night.  

Tabbouleh Salad


1 cup of cooked quinoa
2 roma tomatoes chopped
juice of 1 lemon
1 green onion minced
1/4 cup of high quality olive oil
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped mint leaves
salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients together, salt and pepper to taste....and serve

Four layer black bean dip

So tonight my kids want tacos.  Which is one of my favourite memories as a child.  Now every family makes tacos differently, my family had a few traditions and people are surprised that we eat our tacos with olives.  I also grew up with this notion that tacos can only be served with coca-cola.  As a child my family (there are four kids) would all have a responsibility.  When I reflect back on the making of the tacos, it was when we worked efficiently together.  Tonight I am planning on making a refried black bean four layered dip.  


I have been soaking the black beans since last night...I will boil them....and fry them, add ingredients, and place on the bottom of a tray.  I will top with a layer of sour cream, the next layer will be home made salsa, and then cheddar cheese.  Which I will serve with tortilla chips


I have also made my salsa...I have never made fresh salsa before.  I walked over to Chinatown with my daughter and bought some roma tomatoes.  Her and I chopped the tomatoes, added salt and pepper, added red onions.  garlic, red pepper, vinegar, fresh cilantro and parsley, and a dash of chili powder


I will continue to update about dinner as the day does on

my home made salsa

If you really want to make a friend, 

go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give 

you their food give you their heart. 
Cesar Chavez