* spinach salad w chickpea croutons & curried caesar dressing *

this salad is definitely in my T O P 10. the combination of flavors & textures is amazing & delicious. a great meal if you need something relatively quick. serve with naan bread for a main dish OR as a side to an indian meal. you can adapt the meal for as many people as you want by increasing the amounts of each ingredient. tonight i served it with wholewheat naan brushed with a mixture of melted butter & garam masala spice which i toasted in the oven for 10 minutes @ 425 degrees F.

*fresh spinach, approximately 1-2 cups per person (i just pile a couple of generous handfuls onto each plate)

~romaine, spring mix or other leafy greens may be substituted, it tastes great with a little cilantro thrown into the mix as well : )
*raisins 1/4 cup per person (diced apple is just as good)
*extra virgin olive oil
*chickpeas 1/2 cup per person, drained & rinsed (one 540ml can = about 3 servings)
*1-2 tsp garlic, minced
*1-2 tsp ginger, finely grated
*1-2 tsp cumin
*1-2 tsp coriander
*caesar salad dressing
*madras curry powder

1 ~heat some olive oil (2-4 tbsp depending on the amount of chickpea croutons you are making) in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chickpeas along with the garlic & ginger and saute 'til they are browned all over...they will start to pop and jump around in the pan.

2 ~while they are cooking, you can quickly assemble the rest of the salad...just pile up some spinach on each plate and sprinkle with the raisins.

3 ~once they are finished toss the croutons with the cumin & coriander & spoon over the spinach on each plate.

4 ~top with caesar salad dressing mixed with madras curry powder to taste. (if using a thicker dressing i sometimes add a little water to thin it out a little)

~if you are making one big salad just put all the ingredients in a large salad bowl instead.

manje!