Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Almonds, Fried Onion and Sultanas - by Linda and Paul Jones

Ingredients

"This is inspired by a classic Lebanese fried cauliflower dish that I've primarily eaten as a sandwich – fried cauliflower and hummus rolled up in flatbread. We dress the salad with tahini but you could also use hummus. I love this with a side of fresh Lebanese bread." ~ Linda and Paul Jones.

Canola or sunflower oil for shallow-frying
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 brown onions, finely sliced
1 piece Lebanese flatbread, torn into bite-sized pieces olive oil, for drizzling
1 1/2 Tbs ghee
100g slivered almonds
200g cooked (see note) or drained tinned chickpeas
50g sultanas (golden raisins)
1 bunch coriander (cilantro), leaves picked and roughly chopped
1 bunch flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, leaves picked and roughly chopped
1 bunch basil, leaves torn

Dressing:

1 garlic clove, crushed
150g tahini
200g Greek-style yoghurt
Juice of 1 lemon

Note:

To cook chickpeas, start the night before by soaking 125g dried chickpeas in cold water. The next day, drain, then rinse the chickpeas and place in a large saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Drain into a colander and toss in a splash of good olive oil.

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 150 C (300 F). Lightly grease a baking tray.

Fill a small saucepan about 2cm full with oil and heat until it just starts to shimmer.

Add the cauliflower and fry until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towel. Then add the onions and cook until crisp and lightly golden. Remove and drain.

Spread the flatbread onto the prepared tray, sprinkle with salt and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Set aside to cool.

Place the ghee in a shallow frying pan over low heat. When melted, add the almonds and cook until golden. This happens quite quickly so make sure you keep your eye on the ball while tossing the almonds around. Drain on paper towel.

To make the dressing, place all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.

To serve, fold the chickpeas, sultanas, almonds and cauliflower together in a large salad bowl. Add the coriander, parsley and basil, top with the fried onion and drizzle the tahini dressing over.

Finally, gently fold in the toasted flatbread.

Credits: This is an edited extract from Alimentari by Linda & Paul Jones published by Hardie Grant Books RRP 39.95 and is available in stores nationally.

Photo Credits: This is an edited extract from Alimentari by Linda & Paul Jones published by Hardie Grant Books RRP 39.95 and is available in stores nationally.