Orzo with Fresh Rainbow Carrots and Ginger

Orzo with Fresh Rainbow Carrots and Ginger

4-5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 2 limes

1 piece of fresh ginger, grated finely (use based on your taste)

Sea salt and black pepper

4-5 rainbow carrots, grated large

1 pound orzo pasta

2-3 tablespoons minced fresh basil

In a small bowl, add the oil, zest and juice of limes, grated ginger, salt and pepper. Add the grated carrots and mix well.  Refrigerate about 30 minutes. Taste before adding the pasta, adjust seasoning as needed.

Cook the orzo in water or vegetable broth until al dente. Strain and cool. When ready transfer to a large bowl; add the dressing and fold. Lastly, add fresh basil on top and serve. 

While at the market, I couldn't resist these beautiful rainbow carrots; I quickly put them into my basket. I was immediately inspired by their vibrant colors. I have made many recipes using rainbow carrots; this is one of the recipes that can be served warm or at room temperature. 

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Eggplant-Tomato Salad (Salad Zalouk) Alba’s Way

Salad Zalouk - Eggplant Tomato Salad

1 pound small eggplants, cut in small cubes 

3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3-4 large cloves garlic, minced

1 large shallot, minced

2-3 large tomatoes, diced
Pinch red pepper flakes

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 tablespoon Raz el hanout, optional
Zest 1 large lemon

30-35 pitted green olives

25-30 capers in brine, drained
Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh basil

Boil the egg plant in hot salted water, about 30 minutes on medium-low heat. Strain and cool.

In a large skillet, add the oil, garlic, and shallot. Cook on low heat until golden. When ready, raise the heat to high and add the chopped tomatoes.  Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the spices, salt, lemon zest, olives, and capers. Cook about a minute.  Add the eggplant; cook on low heat about 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. When ready to serve, add the lemon juice and fresh basil, and fold.  

Easy and extremely flavorful….. Salad Zalouk, is a spicy eggplant dish, usually served as an appetizer or side dish with fish or meat. My version is a fusion of Moroccan and Sicilian.  I use the same spices; however I add the olives and capers so it mirrors the caponata.  I also don’t mash the eggplant as in the traditional recipe; I like mine chunky, with some texture. 

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