Falafel

It’s bull purchasing season.

Sale catalogs full of big beefy bulls are sent out to ranchers. My mom jokes that my Dad keeps his favourite catalog under his pillow at night.

I can imagine her laughing smugly at the little joke, as she pulls her seed catalog out from it’s convenient spot under the bed.

That’s the way it is on Canadian farms. We’re all scheming for our best breeding, gardening and growing season yet.

And it’s pretty exciting.

I made falafel today. I’m attracted to Mediterranean dishes because the vegetables and grains used in some staple Mediterranean items grow superbly in Canada.

Falafel is a great example. It’s made predominantly of chickpeas, parsley, garlic and onions - all things that grow well here. Indeed, its not far fetched to think many falafels served in the Mediterranean today will be made from chickpeas grown on Canadian farms.

Finding dishes I enjoy that use food I can grow has been one of my favourite challenges: I plan what I grow in my garden around recipes that I love to serve and use ingredients I can easily grow.

Back to the Mediterranean diet for a moment: it is also recommended to support healthy aging.

Healthy fats and low glycemic response foods impact inflammation, which is an important factor in most aging related health conditions.

I love having falafel warm in a pita with hummus and vegetables, or served with a salad instead of croutons. They’re often served deep fried, but I’ve been enjoying them baked. I keep them frozen and pull as many out as I require for a quick meal.

By the way, are you planning a garden? I have some suggestions for that.

I’ve already hinted at my approach. Start with growing items that have a proven track record in your area. From that selection, grow the one’s you are most likely to use.

Where does such a decision making process lead me? Tomatoes and potatoes, certainly. Spinach, also, for summer salads and frozen greens, and finally, herbs.

I branch out, definitely, but potatoes and tomato based sauces are a staple in my cooking, and its a great feeling to have your organic, healthful preserved items on hand, all year through. I keep other staples on hand including our frozen meat, pasta, rice, and yes, dried chick peas.

Lasagna? Steak and potatoes? Beef or lamb curry over rice? All within reach without a special trip to the grocery store with frozen meat and a few garden staples on hand.

Happy gardening, dear friends.