I find myself watching the "Flea Market Documentary" on PBS. As an unabashed supporter of public television, niche shows like this draw me in. The individual vendors and shoppers the program highlights are so full of personality and excitement for their special objects. Some collect a particular item, others are just out to find a deal. Every person is putting a value on some random object or the experience of an open aired market.
"It's junk, you just to have it!" One gal says with a grin while holding a ceramic piece.
"You are not just selling, its a celebration," A gentleman holding a guitar proclaims.
No matter what each person talks about, they have this passion for their little chockey specialty.
It makes me hopeful that when I write and photograph food, I convey my passion as eloquently as these flea market aficionados.
"It's junk, you just to have it!" One gal says with a grin while holding a ceramic piece.
"You are not just selling, its a celebration," A gentleman holding a guitar proclaims.
No matter what each person talks about, they have this passion for their little chockey specialty.
It makes me hopeful that when I write and photograph food, I convey my passion as eloquently as these flea market aficionados.
A favorite meal of mine for after a training run is this Zucchini and Walnut Pilaf. The recipe is not difficult, but the flavors meld together and are so satisfying. Zucchini's were plentiful at the farmers market this past weekend -- and yes, I too enjoy a good market!
Add in the walnuts for a bit of crunch and my tummy does a happy little jive.
Add in the walnuts for a bit of crunch and my tummy does a happy little jive.
The Shopping List:
- 1 1/2 cup rice
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 medium sized zucchini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt
- dash of ground pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
The Method:
In a small pot, bring water to a boil and stir in the olive oil. Pour in the rice and to cook. Pull from the heat once the rice has become light and fluffy.
Grate the zucchini with a large hole grater. Put to the side.
Pull out a pan on medium heat and pour a bit of olive oil. Allow this to heat up and then pour in the walnuts. Allow them to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Be diligent, like most nuts they will burn easily, so stir frequently. When they have about a minute let, stir in the garlic.
Next, add in the thyme, sea salt, pepper, and grated zucchini. Cook until the zucchini begins to shrivel slightly (about 1 to 2 minutes). Stir the zucchini mix into the cooked rice and serve.
An end note, this works well with couscous and quinoa as well.
In a small pot, bring water to a boil and stir in the olive oil. Pour in the rice and to cook. Pull from the heat once the rice has become light and fluffy.
Grate the zucchini with a large hole grater. Put to the side.
Pull out a pan on medium heat and pour a bit of olive oil. Allow this to heat up and then pour in the walnuts. Allow them to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Be diligent, like most nuts they will burn easily, so stir frequently. When they have about a minute let, stir in the garlic.
Next, add in the thyme, sea salt, pepper, and grated zucchini. Cook until the zucchini begins to shrivel slightly (about 1 to 2 minutes). Stir the zucchini mix into the cooked rice and serve.
An end note, this works well with couscous and quinoa as well.
I have been soooo bad with running due to the weather this past Summer... Ugh! But, your post inspired me again :) This truly is an excellent post run meal! Looks delicious too!
ReplyDeleteYour last photo is amazing. Great recipe!
ReplyDeleteHow can you not love a good market?? Even a good flea market can be quite the treasure hunt!
ReplyDeleteI WILL be trying the recipe at some point this week...Pure flavors/ingredients and looks delish. Perfect since we too had an abundance of summer squash at market this week and I've been trying to clean up the diet a bit here recently :)
Maybe I'll try the same idea with a couscous!
your pictures are stunning this dish is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous, and this looks like such a great vegetarian meal. I love nuts with rice, and I do have many zucchini staring at me from the counter...
ReplyDeleteThis looks exceptionally tasty and I love that it is not hard to do. I have a glut of summer squash and need recipes to help me use it up. I'll definitely be able to use this one. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteDeeeeelicious!!!! So my kinda dish!
ReplyDeleteLovely sunny dish... I am crazy for zucchini and welcome every new dish idea with joy! Your photos are exceptional.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds absolutely fabulous! I LOVE that you grated the zucchini rather than chop it...beautiful, too! Thank you!
ReplyDeletefarmer's markets are totally my markets of choice and this definitely does sound like a fabulous post long run meal! Carbs, nutrients...what more could you ask for?
ReplyDeleteI love a good flea market. And I seem to have some inane ability to find them in all cities in the world (much to my boyfriend's delight). I also have a collection of 'all in' kinda meals after farmers' markets. I'll be adding this one to the list!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great, my hubby confessed a few weeks ago that he doesn't really like walnuts :O
ReplyDeleteI love the flavors of this pilaf. I'm food shopping tomorrow and will pick up some fresh zucchini to try this. Beautiful, healthy dish! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat looks really good! I'd totally pack that for lunch.
ReplyDeletePretty! And perfect for the loads of zucchini I end up with every week...
ReplyDeleteOh man! This looks so good! I plan on making this this weekend! Love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhen you travel, do you ever hit flea markets to see what treasures you can find? I know you travel mostly in the US, but come up here to Ontario and visit Vendors’ Flea Market-it’s a great place to find treasures and collectibles.:) Hope to see you soon!
ReplyDelete