family tools
choose a tool resource directory
find a practitioner parenting toolbox product safety media reviews family fun guide send an e-card family astrology

community features choose a feature birth stories find a Mothering friend live chat mothers' writing group teen voices

	peggy's kitchen

Emerald City Salad

By Cynthia Lair

This whole-meal salad was inspired by one served in the delicatessen at Seattle's unique natural foods grocery chain, Puget Consumers Co-op. The warm rice and lemon dressing slightly wilt the assertive greens, making them quite tasty. The combination of whole grains, vegetables, olive oil, and cheese makes the dish complete on its own.

• 2 1/2 cups water or stock
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup wild rice (black grains, 1/2 inch long)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fennel root
• 1/2 red or yellow pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped red cabbage
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 5-7 leaves kale, collards, and/or chard (2 cups chopped)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Bring water or stock to a boil. Add butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and rice. Bring to boil again, cover, lower heat, and simmer 60 minutes or more, until all water is absorbed. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large salad bowl. Add fennel, red pepper, cabbage, and parsley. Remove the large stems from the leaves of the greens you've selected and roll up the leaves. Cut thin 1/4-inch strips off the end of the rolled up piece of greens. Pile greens atop other vegetables. Once rice is fully cooked, spread it like a blanket over the greens. When the rice has quit steaming, thoroughly toss all ingredients together. Season to taste; some extra salt and/or lemon may be required. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
Preparation time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Cynthia Lair has been part of the nutrition faculty at Bastyr University since 1994. Recipe reprinted from Cynthia Lair's Feeding the Whole Family: Whole Foods Recipes for Babies, Young Children and Their Parents (Moon Smile Press, 1998); and Feeding the Young Athlete: Sports Nutrition Made Easy for Players and Parents, with Scott Murdoch, PhD, RD (Moon Smile Press, 2002). Both are available from www.feedingfamily.com.