Farro with Eggplant

1 C farro

2 C water

1 small eggplant, diced (approx 2 C)

1 med onion, diced

3-4 cloves garlic, diced

1 lg tomato, diced

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Fresh parsley or basil

Add farro, water and a generous pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the water s absorbed and the farro is cooked. 

While the farro is cooking, add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a large sauté pan. Add the onion and garlic (pinch of salt), and sauté over medium-low heat, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the eggplant, some pepper and another pinch of salt, and cook slowly over low heat. Stir occasionally to make sure the eggplant cooks evenly. When the eggplant is cooked (about 20 mins or so) add the tomato and simmer on low for another 5 minutes. 

Combine the farro with the eggplant. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and/or Parmesan cheese, whichever you prefer. 4 servings.

Carrot Salad with Tahini Dressing

2 C Julienne Carrots

1/2-3/4 C organic raisins, soaked in water

1/2 roasted spicy chick peas

1 C chopped flat leaf parsley

2-3 TBS tahini

2-3 TBS Bragg's apple cider vinegar

Few TBS water

Sea salt

Pepper

Bring a few cups of lightly salted water to a boil in a medium size sauce pan. While the water is heating, you can julienne your carrots.

When the water boils, add the carrots for about thirty seconds. You want to quickly blanched them, not cook them.

Drain the carrots and add them to a large bowl. Drain the raisins and add them to the carrots. Add the chopped parsley and roasted chick peas.

In a small bowl, combine the tahini, a pinch of salt and pepper, the vinegar and a few TBS of water. Whisk together. The tahini will seize up....don't worry! Just gradually add water to achieve the consistency of a thick smooth dressing.

Add the dressing to the carrot mixture and mix well until all the ingredients are coated. 

Serves 4-6

Notes: Diced red onion would be a nice addition to this salad! This time I purchased spicy roasted chick peas, but you can season and roast your own.