Grated Rainbow Salad with Sesame Feta Fritters

Serves: 4 Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the salad & pita crisps:

• 1 mug (about 10 oz / 320 g) couscous
• 2 pita breads
• Olive oil
• ½ English cucumber
• 1 red onion
• 1 large carrot
• 3½ oz (100 g) cooked or raw beets
• 3½ oz (100 g) feta cheese

For the sesame feta fritters:

• 1 large egg
• 3 heaping tablespoons self-raising flour
• 1 heaping tablespoon raw sesame seeds
• Honey (for drizzling)

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Put the couscous in a bowl, cover with boiling water, place a plate on top, and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Slice the pitas into ½ inch (1 cm) strips, spread them on a large baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for about 10 minutes until golden, crisp, and crunchy.
2. Meanwhile, coarsely grate the cucumber (skin on), red onion, carrot, and beets (peel raw beets first if using). If using raw beets, wear gloves to avoid staining.
3. In a bowl, mash the feta with the egg. Add the self-raising flour, sesame seeds, and a pinch of pepper. Mix until combined (add a splash of milk if the mixture is too dry). Heat a large frying pan with a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan (you should get roughly 12 fritters). Cook until golden on the bottom, scatter sesame seeds on top if desired, press down lightly, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Drizzle with a little honey and cook until sticky and golden.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Fluff up the couscous with a fork. In a large serving platter, toss the grated vegetables with the couscous. Drizzle with the dressing and mix gently. Scatter the crispy pita strips on top, then arrange the warm sesame feta fritters over the salad. Serve immediately.

Tip: This salad is full of bright colors, crunchy textures, and a delicious sweet-savoury contrast. Perfect as a vegetarian main or a vibrant side dish.