Cavolo Nero Winter Salad

Winter calls for hearty and nutritious meals that not only warm you up but also leave your taste buds dancing. This Cavolo Nero Winter Salad is the perfect fusion of comfort and health, combining the earthy goodness of cavolo nero, the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, and the protein-packed black beans. Let's dive into creating this delightful dish that's not just a treat for your palate but a celebration of vibrant winter flavours.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato (or small butternut squash)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 250g quinoa

• 200g cavolo nero

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lemon

• 1 x 400g black beans (or any legumes of your choice)

• 80g pomegranate seeds

• 500ml vegetable stock

• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast the Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Peel and dice the sweet potato or butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, ground cinnamon, paprika, and ground cumin. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender.

2. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

3. Prepare the Cavolo Nero: Wash and finely chop the cavolo nero. In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cavolo nero and sauté until wilted, about 5 minutes. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potato, sautéed cavolo nero, black beans (drained and rinsed), and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and the juice of the remaining half lemon. Toss gently to combine.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Cavolo Nero Winter Salad and garnish with additional pomegranate seeds for a burst of freshness. This versatile salad can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it an ideal meal prep option or a delightful side dish for your winter gatherings.

Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of our Cavolo Nero Winter Salad! Picture this - a delightful blend of seasonal ingredients dancing together in a burst of flavors. Treat your body to the goodness it deserves, savoring every bite of this super easy and nutrient-packed dish. It's not just a salad; it's a hug for your taste buds! So, let's nourish your soul and make winter celebrations extra cozy with a salad that's as comforting as it is yummy!