Keep Calm and Put the Kettle On

Hey Y’all! I found a recipe that got me raving. It’s a salad that can be tweaked any way you like it. It’s easy, too! Quick as a wink you’ll be yelling like Ma Kettle, “Come and get it!”

Alright now, let’s get to it (I’ll put the recipe down below). Here’s what you’ll need: some oil, chickpeas, paprika (we used smoked), curry powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and any other spices that you fancy. You’ll also need to chop some tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, parsley, and mint. Finally, whoop up a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. We threw in some Romaine and spinach just because we love ’em!

You just know I had to make a picture or two so I can play like I have a cooking show on Food Network!

And, how about some dessert for your eyes?

Y’all, I really do like a well-prepared salad, but this one has moved up to the top of the list. Now, here are the promised directions:

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 can chickpeas (265 g)
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder (optional)
  • Spices to taste (e.g., caraway)
  • 250 g tomatoes
  • ½ cucumber
  • 1 bell pepper
  • ½ bunch parsley
  • 1 handful of mint (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ lemon (juice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chickpeas for 3-5 minutes.

2. Add paprika, curry powder, and your favorite spices and fry for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

3. Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Chop the parsley and mint.

4. Mix everything together in a large bowl.

5. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and honey and mix well.

6. Serve the salad fresh and enjoy! Tips: You can vary the salad to your liking by adding other vegetables or spices. Try feta or avocado for extra creaminess!

That’s it for me today. I still have a few free audiobook versions of New Yesterdays. Stop by my website and click the Audiobook Giveaway link. Could it be any easier?

Unknown's avatar

About Ol' Big Jim

Jim L. Wright is a storyteller with a lifetime of experiences as colorful as the characters he creates. Born and raised in Piedmont, Alabama, Jim’s connection to the land, history, and people of the region runs deep. His debut novel New Yesterdays is set in his hometown, where he grew up listening to stories of the past—stories that sparked his imagination and curiosity for history. Today, Jim lives in Leeds, Alabama, with his husband Zeek, a tour operator who shares his passion for adventure and discovery. Known affectionately as “Ol’ Big Jim,” he has had a diverse career that includes time as a storekeeper, an embalmer, a hospital orderly, and a medical coder. There are even whispers—unconfirmed, of course—that he once played piano in a house of ill repute. No matter the job, one thing has remained constant: Jim is a teller of tales. His stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking—are often inspired by his unique life experiences. Many of these tales can be found on his popular blog, Ol’ Big Jim, where he continues to share his musings with a loyal readership. Jim’s adventures have taken him far beyond Alabama. For seven years, he lived in Amman, Jordan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. His time there, spent in smoky coffee shops, enjoying a hookah and a cup of tea while scribbling in his ever-present notebook, deeply influenced his worldview and his writing. When Jim isn’t writing, he’s thinking about writing. His stories, whether tall tales from his past or imaginative reimagining is of historical events should read from his past or imaginative reimaginings of historical events, reflect a life lived fully and authentically. With New Yesterdays, Jim brings readers a rich tapestry of history, fantasy, and human connection. Visit his blog at www.olbigjim.com to read more of his stories, or follow him on social media to keep up with his latest musings and projects, one of which is a series that follows Bonita McCauley, an amateur detective who gets into some very sticky situations. His book, New Yesterdays, can be found at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.
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7 Responses to Keep Calm and Put the Kettle On

  1. The salad looks delicious. I like the idea of making the chickpeas crispy. Thanks for sharing, Jim

    Liked by 1 person

  2. GP's avatar GP says:

    The salad looks great, Jim. With this heat dome covering half the US, salads will be king!!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. This sounds and looks really good, Jim.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Darryl B's avatar Darryl B says:

    This looks great! Forwarded it to my “Ma Kettle” to try it 😂😎

    Liked by 1 person

What did you think of this tall tale? Let me know in the comments section; I'd love to hear from you!