Toasted grains with labne and herbs
“At Circa, we’re lucky enough to have a kitchen garden which supplies us with many of the specialty herbs we use in our dishes, such as the chickpea shoots we use to garnish this dish, which are also available from growers’ markets or specialist greengrocers. If you can’t find them, garnish with a combination of baby herbs or cress instead. It is essential to have high levels of lemon juice for acidity, which cuts through the grains and labne.”
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Toasted grains with labne and herbs
Serves
4
Cooking Time
Prep time 10 mins, cook 20 mins
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200 gm
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spelt grain (see note)
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100 gm
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faro (see note)
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100 gm
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small green lentils
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200 gm
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quinoa (see note)
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100 gm
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coarse burghul
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80 gm
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(½ cup) raw almonds, coarsely chopped
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80 gm
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(½ cup) sultanas, coarsely chopped
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75 gm
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(½ cup) dried apricots, coarsely chopped
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80 ml
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extra-virgin olive oil
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50 ml
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lemon juice, or to taste
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½ cup
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coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
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150 gm
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labne (see note)
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To serve:
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baby herbs and dukkah
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1
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Dry-roast spelt and faro in a frying pan until nutty and fragrant (1-2 minutes), then cook in boiling water, with lentils, until tender (15-20 minutes), drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
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2
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Meanwhile, cook quinoa in boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes, add burhgul, cook for another minute, drain well and refresh under cold running water. Drain well and add to spelt mixture.
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3
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Add almonds, dried fruit, olive oil, lemon juice and parsley, season to taste and toss to combine, then serve scattered with labne, baby herbs and dukkah.
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Note Spelt grain, faro and quinoa are available from select health-food shops and delicatessens. Labne, a drained yoghurt cheese usually stored in oil, is available from select delicatessens. Alternatively, if you have time, place thick natural yoghurt in a fine sieve placed over a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight to drain. Scoop quenelles and serve.
This recipe is from the February 2010 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.
Drink Suggestion 2008 Pierro ‘LTC’.
RECIPE Matt Wilkinson, Circa, the Prince
PHOTOGRAPHY John Laurie
STYLING Lisa Featherby
DRINK SUGGESTION Liam O'Brien