Balela – chick pea and black bean salad

A quick, simple, and nutritious salad, Balela is a Middle Eastern salad with chick peas, black beans, parsley, and spices. There are variations that use mint and other flavorings, but this one is pretty basic. Feel free to experiment. The salad is very healthy with plenty of protein and fiber from the beans. Serve with good rough peasant bread and red wine. Boun appetitio!

 

 

Ingredients

1 - 15 oz. can garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained

1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained

2 - ripe tomatoes, chopped

½ chopped red onion

½ sweet red pepper, seeded and chopped

1 clove garlic, minced fine

1 tsp. fresh ground cumin

3 TBS extra virgin olive oil

Juice of one lemon (or 2 tbs. of bottled lemon juice)

½ cup chopped fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley

Salt and fresh coarse ground black pepper to taste

Method

Combine all ingredients, mix well. Allow flavors to mingle for 15-30 minutes. Serve at room temperature.

Serves four as a side dish, two as a main course.  May be easily doubled.

Note: best served at room temperature but will keep for days in the refrigerator.