Tabbouleh Salad With A Pomegranate Glaze - A Rosh Hashanah Salad

 

Do you like tabbouleh? 

If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful side dish, this gluten-free tabbouleh recipe made with quinoa is worth a try. It’s light,vibrant, and full of Middle Eastern flavors such as pomegranate molasses and baharat spice blend. Inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi's green tabbouleh recipe, it is a perfect choice for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday, for picnics, potlucks, or as a colorful side to just about any meal.

Why Are Recipes With Pomegranates Perfect for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)?

During Rosh Hashanah, it's traditional to eat symbolic foods known as Simanim. During our holiday dinner, we recite a specific prayer or blessing on each of the symbolic foods at the table, which expresses positive thoughts and energy for hopes of a sweet, healthy, and prosperous year ahead (link to the blessings). 

Among these meaningful foods, the pomegranate stands out. Rich in symbolism, it's said to contain 613 seeds—mirroring the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah—making it a beautiful representation to strive for spiritual abundance, righteousness, and personal growth as we enter the new year. 

I made Yotam Ottolenghi's pomegranate flavored tabbouleh recipe with a twist for a potluck meal last week when we were in Cape Cod for my husbands "poker reunion"

My Twist on Ottolenghi's Tabbouleh (link to his recipe)

Since I can't eat the bulgur wheat that the recipe calls for, I substituted quinoa, added a generous amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and garlic powder.

Ottolenghi's Surprising Ingredients

His recipe called for two ingredients that gave me pause at first: pomegranate molasses and a spice called baharat. Baharat, in particular, had me second-guessing—it brought back memories of the spice my mother-in-law used in her Middle Eastern meatballs, and I wasn’t sure how that flavor would work in a fresh salad. But I’m glad I trusted the recipe! The baharat added a subtle depth of flavor, while the pomegranate molasses contributed a lovely sweet-tart note.

The recipe's two unique ingredients:

• Baharat – a warm spice blend similar to "allspice" made with cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander, nutmeg and black pepper.

• Pomegranate molasses – a tangy-sweet syrup made from pomegranates that added a bright, fruity note to the dressing.

Where can you find baharat and pomegranate molasses?

Try Middle Eastern grocery stores or the international section of larger supermarkets. You can also find both of the items online.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe. 

• Naturally gluten-free – quinoa is a perfect naturally gluten-free substitute for bulgur wheat.

• Bursting with fresh herbs – fresh parsley, mint, dill, and scallions make it bright and refreshing.

• Unique flavor twist – baharat and pomegranate molasses take it to the next level.

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Versatile side dish – serve it any protien or enjoy it on its own.

Pomegranate Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

The recipe concentrates on greens, not grains. There is a small amount of quinoa compared to the greens.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and then cooked

• 2 cups parsley, finely chopped

• ½ cup mint leaves, finely chopped

• 4 scallions, finely sliced

• 1 cup each of cucumber and celery finely diced

• 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses

• 1 teaspoon of baharat spice blend

• 3 Tbsp olive oil (I've made it without the oil too)

• Juice of 1 lemon (my addition!)

• When done add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. When done cooking, set it aside and let it cool before adding to salad.

2. In a large bowl, combine parsley, mint, scallions, celery and cucumber.

3. Add the cooled quinoa and toss to combine.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, baharat, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and garlic powder.

5. Pour dressing over salad, mix well, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light lunch.

Place in individual little molds and then unfold the mold to serve. 

My Notes: 

1. Cook the quinoa at least an hour before you plan to assemble the recipe to give it enough time to cool.

2.  For variety add finely chopped tomatoes to this recipe

3. Quinoa is a high protein plant-based grain-like seed

4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.  This would be a perfect side dish for the holiday.

5. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown of Sept 22 and ends Sept24 at sundown this year 

Why does the Jewish New Year fall on different dates each year? 

The Jewish calendar, which dates back over 5,000 years, is a lunar calendar; the American calendar is a solar calendar. Each calendar has a different amount of days - therefore the Jewish holidays fall on different days each year on our Gregorian American used calendar.  

What are some of the other symbolic (Simanim) foods traditionally eaten at the Jewish New Year? 

1. Apples 
2. Honey
3. Dates
4. Fish Head (or any head- so vegetarians can use a head of cabbage or lettuce or cauliflower) The symbolism is that you should always strive to be at the head or top in life not the tail or bottom.
5. Pomegranates
6. Leeks
7. black eyed peas
8. Beets/carrots

See my previous post explaining the symbolism of foods with recipes.

Although matzo balls and chicken soup are customary to serve, there is no symbolism for blessings in those dishes.

Zucchini and Green Pea Soup Recipe: Late Summer Harvest

Fresh summer zucchini and frozen green peas make this soup recipe bright and healthy!.

Last week, I picked five rather large zucchinis from my son's garden while he and his family were away on vacation. I used two right away—air frying them as a simple vegetable side dish. But the remaining three zucchini sat on the counter, quietly challenging me to do something more creative.

Vegan Thai Green Mango Salad Recipe- (Som Tum Mamuang) Sweet & Sour, and Refreshing!

Are you a fan of Thai food? I am !

This Thai green mango salad recipe (also known as Som Tum Mamuang) is a vibrant dish bursting with sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Traditionally enjoyed as a street food salad in Thailand, this version is 100% vegan and gluten-free, made with crisp unripe mango, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s quick, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish or light meal.

The best part? It comes together in under 20-25 minutes, looks impressive on the table, and offers an interesting alternative to traditional green salads.

Just a heads-up: if you’re expecting a sweet fruit salad, this isn’t it! The recipe calls for green mango which is far from fruity.

Egg Roll In A Bowl: Skip the Wrapper, Keep The Flavor

Egg-roll fixings in a bowl without the wrapper? It's everything that you love about egg rolls but in a bowl.

I was looking for easy meals and came across this clever idea when I was visiting Crystal Lopez at her blog called Crystal and Company. When I saw her recipe for Whole 30 Egg Roll in a Bowl in the Instant Pot. It caught my attention immediately, and I knew I wanted to try it. 

It is a simple recipe, can be made in the Instant Pot or stove top, and is an easy summertime recipe. look below for my vegan version.

Summertime And The Living and Cooking is Easy!

I absolutely love the old 1934 song Summertime 🎵🎵 (written by George Gershwin and performed in the musical Porgy and Bess)—it perfectly captures the easygoing vibe of the season. 

There's something about summer that makes everything feel a bit more relaxed: simple dinners out on the deck, lighter meals, golden sunlight stretching well into the evening, leisurely evening walks, and casual get-togethers with friends, and even a lazy afternoon nap. 

see easy summertime recipes at end of post.

Chunky Chickpea Vegetable Spread- Healthy Doesn't Need to Be Boring

Healthy recipes don't have to be boring this 4th of July 🎆🇺🇸
I'll be making my easy Chunky Vegetable Chickpea Dip -a fresh, creamy, and totally plant-based dip—made with chickpeas, veggies, and zingy Dijon mustard for a bold, satisfying bite. 

This recipe has no mayo, cream cheese or sour cream which would be way to heavy in fat to actually be healthy in my opinion!!

I will serve it with crudités instead of chips, and I'll be very happy! Truthfully, so will everyone else. I've served it before and it was a hit with the crowd!! It's perfect for those watching their weight.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: A Healthy Valentine Treat

A long time ago, I used to make avocado mousse for myself for a healthy delicious treat. Truthfully, I forgot about it and haven't made it in years. I decided to bring it back this year for Valentine's Day. 

It's made without refined sugars, it provides healthy fat, and the delicious taste of cocoa. It's a plant-based and dairy-free decadent creamy treat that the entire family will enjoy especially when topped with fresh berries. 

No Fuss Red Lentil Patties : Quick, Easy, and Protein-Rich

 

If your cholesterol is high and your doctor has suggested cutting back on meat, including more high fiber plant-based foods in your diet, such as these easy red lentil patties, may be something you and your doctor may like. 

Vegan Sushi Bake In A Pan- No Rolling

Do you like sushi? I tried this recipe for a simple easy sushi pie bake in a spring form or pie pan. It is interesting, easy to make, versatile and makes a beautiful interesting presentation-especially for company. 

Quick Hot & Spicy Cabbage Soup with Rice

Are you ready for soup? Soups on in my house - and I'm sharing a quick and easy, yet hearty, hot and spicy cabbage soup recipe. Cabbage is one of my favorite vegetables. I find that it is versatile, easily available, tasty and healthy- AND it makes the best soup ever!!

Crustless Sweet Potato Pumpkin Pie -vegan and gluten-free

Nothing welcomes the spirit of fall quite like a slice of homemade (sweet potato) pumpkin pie. Do you agree?

This creamy flourless recipe combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, with the warm spiced flavors of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and satisfying. 

Crunchy Tofu Bites: A Delicious Way To Eat Tofu

If you wonder what to do with tofu, you may want to try this quick recipe for simple "tofu bites" which are easy to make, come out crunchy, and are quite tasty.

7 Easy Sweet Potato Recipes

Do you enjoy a good sweet potato? I do and I often steam a batch of 4 or 5 them at one time in my Instant Pot to eat throughout the week. I eat the sweet potatoes as needed- sometimes plain or with toppings or adding sweet potato to a variety of recipes. I'm sharing seven of my favorite recipes.

What I Eat In A Day On A Plant-Based Diet

Do you ever think about eating less animal protein and eating more plant-based meals? 

In a world where not just adults but even children struggle with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer etc, scientific research proves that diet as the #1 culprit of these problems. See how you can eat a full day of plant-based meals and enjoy them. 

Mardi Gras and Recipes- Plant-Based and Gluten Free

Mardi Gras is a festive carnival celebration that takes place in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana prior to the start of lent.

Food is a big part of the celebration and is unique to the area. See my plant-based recipes below.

12 of My Favorite Chickpea Recipes

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and are filling and delicious. They happen to be my favorite legume, and I like to use them in many of my recipes.

 I started publishing my blog over 12 years ago, so many of my recipes may have been seen and forgotten or never seen by my current readers. 

I decided to rummage through some of my older chickpea recipes and re-share them in one post.

Chickpeas are used in recipes from countries all over the world. They are versatile, inexpensive, low in fat, high in protein and fiber and are satisfying. 

Do you like chickpeas? Do you use them? 

Are you concerned with eating less animal protein ? Do you try to make more plant-based meals? 

10 Favorite Plant-Based Asian Recipes- Gluten free

                                  Asian Soup in 10 Minutes  (Recipe Link)

I am quite a fan of Asian food. Are you?  It works very well with a vegan diet. For those looking to increase the amount of low fat plant-based foods to their diet, here are 10 of my favorite delicious and easy ideas. 

Carrot Soup With Cilantro and Ginger

Are you a cilantro lover or hater? This easy carrot soup is for cilantro lovers because it does contain a noticeable amount of this tasty herb. The soup is simple to make, full of protective health giving antioxidants, and delicious. (you can substitute parsley for the cilantro).

Thick Lentil Soup and Vegetables

Soup is always welcome in our home, especially in the winter. 

This thick plant-based lentil soup contains two kinds of lentils: 

red and brown.

It requires very little prep (10-15 minutes?) and has a wonderful flavor. The best part for me is that it is made with water, not broth. This means I can keep the sodium content much lower. 

Have you ever read how much sodium is in a cup of commercially prepared chicken or vegetable broth? 

So much that it's scary... 

I make soup in the Instant Pot, but this can easily be made in a soup pot on the stove top as well. 

The flavor in this soup comes from the vegetables and spices. 

It makes its own broth.

It's a quick easy to make comfort food that will warm you up on a cold winter night.

Healthy too!!!- with protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber! It is so easy to enjoy a hearty plant-based, gluten-free soup!

Author of the Blog: Judee Algazi

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes in IP (does not count heat up time)

Serves: 8 bowls

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup of brown lentils

1 and 1/2 cups of red lentil 

3 carrots, diced 

1 medium zucchini, diced

a large handful of baby spinach 

1 teaspoon of cumin

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder 

1/2 jar of chunky salsa 

9 cups of water

2 bay leaves (remove before eating the soup)

optional: 1 medium potato diced (I didn't this time)

salt and pepper 

Directions: 

Add lentils to the insert liner of the Instant Pot. Wash well and drain. Add carrots, zucchini, spinach, cumin, garlic powder, salsa, water and bay leaves. Secure lid, make sure the IP is sealed, and set to pressure cook for 11 minutes - When done, allow to sit for 10 minutes and then release steam according to the manufacturer's directions. When all steam is released, carefully remove the lid and serve. Taste and add salt and Pepper to taste.

My Notes: 

1. Convert this recipe into a stew by adding 2 cups of cooked chickpeas after cooking.

2. This soup will continue to thicken everyday on its own because the red lentils absorb the liquid. Just add a cup of water or broth before reheating if necessary. 

Air-fried Eggplant - Easy and Tasty

Do you like eggplant? 

If you are looking for something a little different, these seasoned eggplant roll ups are moist, tender, tasty, and easy to make. They are a wonderful side dish especially topped with delicious Middle Eastern sauce.