Moroccan Carrot & Chickpea Salad
Course: Salads & Sides
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salad
- 10 ounces carrots shredded on a box grater or sliced whisper thin on a mandolin
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas or one 15- ounce can, drained and rinsed
- 2/3 cup dried pluots, plums, or dates cut into chickpea-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup fresh mint torn
- Optional: toasted almond slices, dried or fresh rose petals
To make the dressing, first toast the cumin seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant and lightly browned, a minute or two. Let cool, and grind to a powder with a mortar and pestle.
In a bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the carrots, chickpeas, dried pluots, mint, and almonds, and rose petals. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.