I’m a massive fan of greens, not only for being nutritional power houses, but because I genuinely find them delicious, even crave them. I’ve often thought how strange that may sound, but my theory is, the more real, whole food you eat, the more your body craves it. And the more your body craves it, the more you come to listen to and understand what your own body needs. Nutritional content aside, I have a husband and some little kids to sell my theory to, so I’m always finding delicious and different ways to prepare them. This recipe’s not really for the little people, unless they have quite developed pallets and have acquired a taste for garlic and green olives. In our house, a colourful array of fresh veggies, some extra plain rice and the same Japanese Grilled Salmon we served alongside the Charred Broccoli dish did the trick for the kids. As usual, a recipe from Donna Hay never fails to impress, however, I have tweaked it to make it extra clean and healthy.

Charred Broccoli & Brown Rice Salad
Adapted form Donna Hay, by Shelley Kamil

Ingredients
Serves 2-3
¾ cup brown rice (I used 2 cups of cooked rice)
1 clove garlic
1tsp ground cumin
1tbs olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
Sea salt and pepper
1 head broccoli, sliced
10-12 Sicilian green olives, pitted and sliced
2tbs pine nuts, toasted
Dressing
1tbs olive oil
2tbs apple cider vinegar
Juice of half a lemon
1tsp honey
1 long red chili, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
2tbs toasted pine nuts to serve (optional)
½ avocado, sliced, to serve

Directions
1. Cook the brown rice as per instructions on pack. A ratio of 3:1 water to rice usually works, cook on a low flame for 20-25 minutes, season water with sea salt or good quality vegetable stock.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add the sliced broccoli and toss to combine. Heat a non-stick char grill pan over medium heat and then add the broccoli mixture. Char grill the broccoli on either side for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
3. To assemble the salad, combine the brown rice, half the dressing, pine nuts and olives in a serving bowl and toss to combine. To serve, top with the broccoli mixture, avocado and a drizzle of the remaining dressing.