Day 1 - Greek Salad with Pitas & Hummus (4.5.10)

This evening, I whipped up a yummy greek salad with some homemade hummus & pitas. It was very filling and I had kalamata olives in mine but since Amanda doesn't like olives (what?!) I left them out of hers. However, I have to give her a lot of credit because when we first met the only vegetables she ate were corn & potatoes. To think 9 years later, she'd be a "Bunny Hugger!" Here's the recipe for the salad & hummus........




Mediterranean Greek Salad & Dressing

• 1 head romaine lettuce- rinsed, dried and chopped
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (6 ounce) can pitted kalamata or black olives
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1 1/2 quarts olive oil
• 1/3 cup garlic powder
• 1/3 cup dried oregano
• 1/3 cup dried basil
• 1/4 cup pepper
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
• 2 quarts red wine vinegar

Directions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the Romaine, onion, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber and cheese.
2. Whisk together in a very large container, the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, pepper, salt, onion powder, and Dijon-style mustard. Pour in the vinegar, and mix vigorously until well blended. It makes a lot so measure out however much you prefer before you pour over salad. Then just toss and serve!

Yummus Hummus

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pinch paprika
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. Place the garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, salt and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the garbanzo bean mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Eat with pitas or veggies. Enjoy!
   

THE VERDICT:

Vic: Very good, relatively easy to make and filling!
Amanda: Mmmmmm.....