Introduction: Barnyard Millet Tabbouleh is a nutritious and refreshing twist on the classic Middle Eastern tabbouleh salad. Barnyard millet, known for its high fiber content and nutritional benefits, replaces the traditional bulgur in this recipe. This vibrant salad is packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup barnyard millet
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Barnyard Millet:
   • Rinse the barnyard millet under cold water.
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add the rinsed millet to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed.
   • Fluff the cooked millet with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled barnyard millet, chopped parsley, chopped mint, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and olives (if using).
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
   • If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and gently mix it in.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the Barnyard Millet Tabbouleh immediately, or refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips:

• For added texture and flavor, you can include diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
• Adjust the seasoning and dressing to taste, adding more lemon juice or olive oil if desired.
• This tabbouleh makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.

Conclusion: Barnyard Millet Tabbouleh is a vibrant and nutritious salad that brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite. The combination of barnyard millet with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing makes for a delicious and wholesome dish. Enjoy this refreshing tabbouleh as a healthy side or a satisfying main course!