Cashew Carrot Sprout Salad with Zesty Tahini

Best For Lunch Dinner

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 2

• 3 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup homegrown vegetable sprouts (such as alfalfa, clover, radish)
• 2 tablespoon finely chopped mint
• ¼ cup soaked cashews, chopped
• 3 tablespoons raisins (kishmish)

Tahini Dressing

• 1 cup white sesame seeds or 4 tablespoons homemade tahini
• ½ cup water
• 4 dates, seedless
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon powdered jaggery
• ¼ green chili
• ½ teaspoon rock salt

PRE-PREPARATION

Prepare vegetable sprouts

Method

First, prepare the tahini.
1. To prepare tahini, add sesame seeds to a saucepan over medium heat and toast, stirring constantly until the seeds become fragrant and very lightly colored (not brown), 3 to 5 minutes. Careful, sesame seeds can burn quickly.
2. Once sesame seeds have completely cooled, add them to a small blender and blend until a paste forms, about 30 seconds. The tahini should be extra smooth, not gritty.
3. To prepare the tahini dressing, place 4 tablespoons of this homemade tahini into a
blender, along with water, dates, lemon juice, jaggery, chili and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Place the carrots, sprouts, mint, cashews and raisins to a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Pour the tahini dressing on top and enjoy.

Benefits of This Recipe:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Carrots and sprouts are excellent sources of antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage and support overall immune function.
2. Supports Digestive Health: The fiber in carrots, sprouts, and cashews aids in digestion, promoting a healthy gut and regular bowel movements.
3. Boosts Energy: The combination of dates and jaggery in the tahini dressing provides natural sugars that offer a quick energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars.
4. Promotes Heart Health: The healthy fats in cashews and sesame seeds (tahini) support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve circulation.
5. Enhances Hydration: With its high water content, this salad helps keep you hydrated, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being.

Nutritive Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~8g
• Fat: ~20g (majority from healthy fats in tahini and cashews)
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fiber: ~8g
  • Sugars: ~15g (from carrots, raisins, dates, and jaggery)
• Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A (from carrots), Vitamin C (from mint and sprouts), and Vitamin E (from sesame seeds)
• Minerals: Good source of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium

This nutrient-dense salad is not only delicious but also supports a healthy and balanced diet.