Forbidden Black Rice and Red Cabbage Salad

Japanese black rice has become one of my favorites because it has a ‘meaty’ quality to it, and the taste is nutty and semi-sweet. It pairs well with anything! This is a very pretty and hearty salad, and so easy to throw together.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Japanese black rice
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup edamame beans
  • 2 Tbls. chopped green onions
  • 1/3 cup shredded carrot

Miso Peanut Sauce

  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, preferably organic
  • 1 Tbls. yellow miso
  • 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger
  • ⅛ tsp. cayenne (optional)
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

 

Instructions

  1. Put black rice in 2 cups boiling water. Reduce to simmer, cover for 25 minutes. When done, the rice should be cooked through, but still have a ‘bite’ to it, not mushy.
  2. Add the sauce ingredients to a small blender or whisk them all together until smooth and creamy. Add more vinegar (or water) to get the consistency you desire.
  3. Combine the rest of the vegetables in a medium size bowl. Add the rice when cool and mix together with the peanut miso sauce.
  4. Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.