As the Jewish New Year proclaims itself in all its glory, resolutions for change usually come to mind. The new year can imply different kinds of changes, be they spiritual or emotional. I, personally, am veering towards a change that is nutritional. The culinary landscape is vast, yet we tend to stay in our comfort zones, cooking what is known and easy. There is nothing wrong with that, but there is a world of ingredients that are simply untouched by the Jewish hand. I feel it’s important to open our eyes and mouths to the excitement of new ingredients and dishes.
A novel dish doesn’t have to imply playing around in the kitchen for too long. I’m not into a patchka either. There is a plethora of ingredients and dishes that are not only easy to use and create, but also healthy to eat! Here are some examples of healthy foods to possibly incorporate into your daily pantry. You may thank me later.
Freekah Pilaf
Ingredients:
½ cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill Cracked Freekah
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp salt
4 cups vegetable stock
3 Tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup diced dried apricots
Directions:
Saute onion in olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add sliced almonds and cook for 3 minutes. Add cracked freekah and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic, spices, and salt and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add vegetable stock and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add diced apricots, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring often, until liquid has absorbed, 20–25 minutes.
By Melissa Kolb, MS, RD
