Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad

From Once Upon A Chef

Servings: 6 – 8 (as a side dish)

This is very tasty! If you prefer less curry taste, add a LITTLE extra lemon or honey.

Ingredients:

For the Dressing
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest and 3 tablespoons lemon juice, from one large lemon
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, from one large orange
1-1/2 tablespoons honey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Salad
1 pound carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
1/3 cup currants (or raisins)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted (Add only 30-60 minutes before serving so they don’t get too soggy)
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint or cilantro (or a combination), plus more for serving
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons finely minced shallots, from one large shallot
1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing.
2. To the dressing, add all of the ingredients for the salad except the almonds and toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (you might need more salt, lemon or honey, depending on the sweetness of the carrots).
3. Transfer to a serving dish, add almonds and garnish with more fresh chopped herbs. Serve cold.

Note: To toast the almonds, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the almonds on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up. Bake for about 5 minutes, until the almonds are golden. Or buy them already toasted at Trader Joe’s.

Nutrition Information:

Powered by Edamam

Per serving (6 servings)
Calories:312
Fat:15g
Saturated fat:2g
Carbohydrates:40g
Sugar:19g
Fiber:9g
Protein:8g
Sodium:522mg
Cholesterol:0mg