Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Almonds, Fried Onions and Sultanas

Here is the recipe for Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Almonds, Fried Onions and Sultanas.

INGREDIENTS

1. canola or sunflower oil for shallow-frying


2. 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets


3. 2 brown onions, finely sliced


4. 1 piece Lebanese flatbread, torn into bite-sized pieces


5. olive oil, for drizzling


6. 1½ tablespoons ghee


7. 100 g (3½ oz) slivered almonds


8. 200 g (7 oz) cooked (see note) or drained tinned chickpeas


9. 50 g (1¾ oz) sultanas (golden raisins)


10. 1 bunch coriander (cilantro), leaves picked and roughly chopped


11. 1 bunch flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, leaves picked and roughly chopped


12. 1 bunch basil, leaves torn

Dressing

1. 1 garlic clove, crushed


2. 150g (5½ oz) tahini


3. 200g (7 oz) Greek-style yoghurt


4. juice of 1 lemon

METHODS

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Lightly grease a baking tray. Fill a small saucepan about 2 cm (¾ in) full with oil and heat until it just starts to shimmer.


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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 onions and drizzle the tahini dressing over. Finally, gently fold in the toasted flatbread.

**** To cook chickpeas, start the night before by soaking 125g (4½ oz.) 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 1½ hours or until tender. Drain into a colander and toss in a splash of good olive oil.

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