Name: Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, Baby Kale, Cumin, Lemon & Toasted Buckwheat {vegan + gluten free}
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 to 3 as a main and 4 to 5 as a side dish
Ingredients: 2 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp heaped coriander seeds; 1/4 tsp fennel seeds; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (finely sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small cauliflower; zest and juice of 1 lemon (2 lemons if your lemon is not particularly juicy); 1 cup cooked chickpeas; 2 cups baby kale; 1/4 cup buckwheat groats; salt and pepper

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A wonderfully addictive vegan and gluten free cauliflower salad recipe with caramelised cauliflower, cumin, onions, chickpeas with a bright finish thanks to lemon zest and juice. Toasted buckwheat adds a final crunch.

To say I love chickpeas is an understatement.

I purchase big bags of dried chickpeas, and cook up a big batch, and then freeze them in individual portions. That way I have chickpeas on hand whenever I need them. I love scattering them in salads for a protein and fibre boost and a batch of hummus is always welcome as an afternoon snack.

As much as I love chickpeas they aren’t the star of this salad. It’s the cauliflower. Fried until golden and tender, and tossed with cumin, coriander, fennel, lemon zest and lemon juice it’s an addictive combination. Baby kale adds a bit of colour and toasted nutty buckwheat adds a finishing touch, and crunch.

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know I’ve been playing with buckwheat lately. I’ve been playing with buckwheat birchers but haven’t come up with a flavour combination I love yet, but will share when I do. My favourite way to enjoy buckwheat though, is toasted. Deliciously nutty they add a wonderful crunch to salads and, despite its name, buckwheat is gluten free. Buckwheat is also cheap, compared to the likes of quinoa, and is higher in protein than rice, millet and corn. It’s a worthy addition to any vegetarian, vegan or gluten free pantry.

5 from 2 votes

Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, Baby Kale, Cumin, Lemon & Toasted Buckwheat {vegan + gluten free}

A wonderful vegan and gluten free salad that can be prepared ahead of time (it's also just as delicious the next day when the flavours have had time to mingle).

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 2 to 3 as a main and 4 to 5 as a side dish

Author Jennifer Schmidt

Ingredients

2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp heaped coriander seeds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion finely sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 small cauliflower
zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 lemons if your lemon is not particularly juicy
1 cup cooked chickpeas
2 cups baby kale
1/4 cup buckwheat groats
salt and pepper

Instructions

Grind the cumin, coriander and fennel in a mortar and pestle as finely as you can.
Place a large frying pan over a low heat. Add 2 tsp of olive oil and add the onion, garlic and spices and cook until the onion is golden and soft. Remove from the heat and place in a large salad bowl.
Finely chop the cauliflower. I like to use the stalks too, but is up to you if you prefer to use the florets only. Increase the heat of the frying pan to medium high and add 1/3 of the remaining oil. Fry 1/3 of the cauliflower until golden and tender. Remove from the heat and add to the onions. Cook the remaining cauliflower and place in the bowl with the onions. Add the lemon zest and juice, along with the chickpeas and toss to combine and leave to cool completely.
Wash out the frying pan and dry it completely. Place the pan over a medium heat and add the buckwheat. Toast for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Leave to cool.
Before serving toss through the baby kale and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the toasted buckwheat over the top.

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