Mixed Grain Salad

submitted by karpen


from NC, US

Mixed Grain Salad
(makes 6 main-dish servings)

2 Tbs peanut oil
2 Tbs canola or corn oil
1/2 cup walnuts (in pieces or chopped coarsely)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 Tbs minced gingerroot
4 scallions, thinly sliced
6 - 7 cup mixed cooked grains (see below)
1/3 cup dried cranberries (yum) or raisins
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (can use other vinegar esp if red wine type isnt
kosher/vegan) juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbs minced cilantro (a.k.a. coriander leaves), or 1/4 cup minced parsley
lots
of freshly ground
pepper, salt to taste

In a medium skillet, over medium heat, brown walnuts in combined
oils. Remove nuts and set aside. Add garlic, ginger, and
scallions, and saute until fragrant (a few minutes at most).
Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine grains, cranberries and
sauteed seasonings. Add remaining ingredients except walnuts and
toss. Refrigerate or hold at room temperature for up to an hour
before serving. Just before serving, add walnuts and toss again.

Miscellaneous comments:
I roasted the walnuts separately, in a toaster oven (10-20 mins at
325 F, stirring once or twice); then i only used 1-2 Tbs of canola
oil alone to fry the other ingredients. This version is lower in
fat.

Grains can include barley, kasha, oat groats, wild rice, brown
rice, wheat berries, spelt, etc.; i used barley, wild rice, brown
rice, and wheat berries, which was a tasty combination. You can
get directions on cooking grains in various cookbooks; each should
be cooked separately since they have different requirements. A
good way to use leftovers, too! If you routinely make large
batches of grains, save a cup or two from each (can freeze them)
and you've got enough to make this dish.

This salad stores well in the fridge for a week or more. If you're
really obsessive, keep the roasted walnuts in a jar and dole out
appropriate portions when you eat the salad. Otherwise they get
kind of soggy, if they're mixed in ahead of time. Also, the dried
cranberries are wonderful, if you can find them (not as sweet as
raisins). Unless you're one of those lost souls who hate cilantro,
definitely
use it it adds
much to the flavor, & not as boring as parsley.

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