With the onset of fall, new schedules and an invigorating pace, eating nourishing meals is an important way to keep up energy levels. With few having the time to devote to cooking an elaborate meal, a collection of delicious and dependable 30-minute recipes for a quick but satisfying meal can be handy. What else keeps things simple? Having fresh staples such as California table grapes on hand helps brighten up any recipe and fuel up after activities.
Mediterranean ingredients and flavors create dishes that nicely bridge the gap between summer and fall — they’re refreshing, colorful and filled with fruits and vegetables. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Grapes offers a fresh twist on the Middle Eastern classic, replacing the traditional bulgur with quinoa, and using grapes in place of tomatoes. The result? An approachable and modern salad that works as well for a quick dinner as it does for a brown bag lunch the next day. Pair with grilled chicken or fish, or simply add chickpeas or kidney beans for a heartier meatless entree.
With Mediterranean Pizza, there is no need to fuss with dough because whole-wheat naan, an Indian flatbread, makes the perfect crust. Simply top with cumin and paprika-seasoned ground lamb, bake it, and then finish with a lightly dressed grape and red onion combination that perfectly complements the flavors in the meat. Pita or flatbread can take the place of naan, and lamb can be replaced by ground beef or turkey as desired.
Finally, when it’s time to decorate the table, create a simple but stunning centerpiece with gorgeous black, red and green California grapes. Add fall leaves, mini pumpkins and gourds if desired.
For more ideas, visit grapesfromcalifornia.com.
Mediterranean Pizza
Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups halved red California grapes
2 tablespoons lightly chopped Italian parsley leaves
1/4 cup slivered red onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided) plus additional for drizzling
Pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 pound ground lamb, beef, or dark meat turkey
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
Pinch cayenne
2 whole-wheat naans (about 4.4 ounces each)
Directions
Heat oven to 475 F. In a large bowl combine the grapes, parsley leaves, red onion, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add the garlic and meat, and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika and cayenne.
Place naans on parchment-lined baking sheets, brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread the meat mixture on the naans. Bake until each naan is browned and lightly crisp, 8-10 minutes. Top with grape mixture and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Cut in pieces and serve.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 430; protein 16 g; carbohydrate 43 g; fat 22 g (46 percent calories from fat); saturated fat 6 g (13 percent calories from saturated fat); cholesterol 40 mg; sodium 330 mg; fiber 4 g.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Grapes
Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
3/4 cup halved red California grapes
3/4 cup halved green California grapes
2 cups diced English cucumber
2/3 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped dill
1/4 cup chopped mint
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the quinoa; reduce the heat and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain any excess water, then fluff the quinoa and transfer it onto a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the grapes, cucumber, parsley, dill, mint, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper. Gently fold the cooled quinoa into the grape mixture and serve.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 160; protein 5 g; carbohydrate 23 g; fat 6 g (34 percent calories from fat); saturated fat 1 g (6 percent calories from saturated fat); cholesterol 0 mg; sodium 78 mg; fiber 3 g.
