Greens and Grains – The New “Carb” Bowl

 

 

There is a new trend on food out there and FINALLY it’s one I am more than happy to jump on the bandwagon. I have never been a fan of salads – unless they are “Pittsburgh style.” This means loading them with things like french fries, cheese, steak and Ranch dressing. So much for the healthy part of salad. So, I would eat them – reluctantly – knowing I was getting my greens for the week. Then, something miraculous happened. Someone in the NYC universe decided that like me, greens alone are boring and “greens and grains” was born. It’s so amazing I wish I could say I invented it. 

 

Basically, instead of dosing a salad with bad ingredients, you add healthy ones, and using organic grains like Farro from Alessi won’t make you feel guilty (or bloated!). The best part? You can make a large serving of Farro and a protein, and then make lunches for the week that I guarantee your co-workers will be jealous of (or at least think you paid $12 for at the overpriced salad bar down the street). 

Let me introduce you to my little friend. 

There are three main ingredients:

• protein (grilled chicken in this case)
• green (micro arugula – seriously, WAY more tastier that full-grown arugula)
• grain (Alessi Organic Farro)

Then, get crazy with toppings:

Since it’s summer, I just added a ton of fresh veggies we had on-hand, but this is where you get your chance to get creative!

• raw corn shaved off the cob, 1 ear
• sliced avocado
• one small heirloom tomato, chopped
• sprinkle of fresh raw cheddar cheese from an update farmer

You’ll want a dressing:

To pull it all together you want a dressing that is both light and refreshing without being calorie-dense. We went with a lemon balsamic vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons Alessi Balsamic Reduction
• juice of 1 lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

Who is Alessi?

As a former farmer myself, I can respect the Alessi family  – a young entrepreneur who took a risk to create his own company, inspired by the risks taken by his emigrating parents before him who traveled to America at the end of World War II. Each Alessi product is a result from the family’s own hard work and is created in inspiration of the family’s traditional Sicilian recipes. They use fresh ingredients to produce original products from solid family recipes at economical prices. You gotta love and give love to the American dream come true. 

You can buy Alessi products and even browse more recipes here. 

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