Red and Black Rice with Kale, Walnuts and Pomegranate Seeds

Vegan, gluten free

This hearty dish is a modernized version of a classic Turkish salad and makes the most of delectable Turkish ingredients: nutty whole grains, walnuts, healthy greens and juicy pomegranate seeds. The pinch of ground sumac in the dressing gives the dish a more distinct sour note.

The combination of red and black rice with white basmati not only gives the dish a nice dark red color and crunchy texture but also makes it “a superfood”, thanks to a high content of antioxidants and phytonutrients in the red rice and inflammation suppressing anthocyanins in the black rice. This rice combination is rich in Vitamin B6 and E, protein and magnesium.

Ingredients:
Yields 4 bowls

• 1/2 cup each red, black and basmati rice
• 3 cups kale, separated from the stems and torn into small pieces
• a small handful of dill, chopped
• a small handful of mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly crushed 
• 1/8 cup raisins (optional)

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground sumac
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• sea salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cook the rice in a large pot of boiling water following the instruction on the package. You can cook each rice separately or in the same pot, starting with the variety that takes the longest.
Drain and rinse under cold running water when fully cooked. Set aside.

Meanwhile, cook kale for about 2 minutes in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and refresh under cold running water. When cold, squeeze the excess water with your hand and separate the pieces.
In a small bowl whisk the ingredients for the dressing.
Place the drained rice into a medium mixing bowl and add kale, chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, dill and mint leaves. Pour in the dressing and mix thoroughly.
Transfer the salad to small serving bowls and top with the remaining pomegranate seeds and raisins.