Over the years, I've fallen in love with learning about spices. From sourcing to using in recipes, each spice is wholly unique and can easily make a recipe. Sumac is newer to my pantry and only came into my kitchen when I started making my own Za'atar (which is essentially sumac, thyme, and sesame seeds). Sumac adds a beautiful citrus-like component that can easily brighten a recipe. It's a flavor I love to pair with earthier flavors- I find the combination is unique and a perfect compliment for winter salads.
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This sumac cauliflower salad utilizes the beautiful, citrus-like flavor of sumac paired with the earthier lentils and cauliflower. A perfect lunch salad or light dinner.
Tips & Tricks: Make sure the lentils and cauliflower are not hot when adding to the salad as they will wilt the lettuce.
Stock up: get the pantry ingredients you will need: lentils, cauliflower, cumin
The main component of this salad is the sumac cauliflower. The cauliflower, by itself, makes for a wonderful side dish, topping for a grain bowl, or even a topping for cauliflower soup. Beyond the cauliflower, a few ways to change up the salad include:
Pulses: Instead of lentils, toss small white beans in the salad.
Greens: I love this cauliflower salad as a kale salad. Instead of letting the lentils and cauliflower cool, toss the warm vegetables with the kale to slightly soften the greens.
Cheese: While the base of this salad is vegan, a tangy feta is a nice compliment to the floral sumac. Add ¼ of feta crumbles to the salad before tossing.
Occasionally at the market, cauliflower will be sold by the head instead of by the pound. I seek out the largest head I can find and can easily make about 3 meals from it. This cauliflower salad is a nice, light recipe but a few other options:
Cajun Cauliflower with Cilantro Avocado Sauce
Cauliflower Pasta with Lemon-Almond Sauce
Curried Cauliflower Wrap
Sumac is pretty new to me, thanks for introducing me!
I have just discovered sumac a couple of weeks ago myself. Thanks for a great recipe!
I started to cook with sumac and zaatar since last December, and I love the flavor of those two spices. They are my top favorite ingredients since them. I should try this salad; I'm very intrigued with this combination.