Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for freekeh salad with fennel, apple, tofu and dill | The new vegan

Key Takeaways:

• Freekeh’s nutty texture pairs perfectly with bright, seasonal ingredients like fennel and apple.
• Meera Sodha’s dish reflects a tradition of Indian-style picnicking, emphasizing homemade meals over specific settings.
• Tofu adds a hearty, vegan-friendly protein component.
• The recipe is robust, flavorful, and easy to assemble, making it ideal for outdoor occasions.

An Indian-Style Love for Picnics

“When I was growing up, picnicking was a favourite Sodha family pastime,” writes Meera Sodha. She recalls how her family never needed a breathtaking view for a successful outing because their philosophy was that homemade food always came first. This approach laid the foundation for her culinary creations, emphasizing the joy of nourishing meals shared in any location—bucolic or not.

Introducing Freekeh Salad

Sodha’s latest recipe puts a spin on picnicking menus with a vegan dish that includes freekeh, fennel, apple, tofu, and dill. “This nutty, chewy freekeh with fennel, dill and tofu has shot up to the top of my favourites,” she says. Freekeh, a roasted green wheat known for its pleasantly chewy texture, blends effortlessly with fennel’s brightness, crisp apple sweetness, and the savory protein of tofu.

Why It Works for Summer

According to Sodha, the salad is “robust, easy to assemble and, above all, delicious whether you eat it on the bank of a lake or in a service station car park.” These features make it the perfect addition to any summer picnic basket. The dish is also simple to transport and can hold up well outdoors.

A Dish for Any Dining Spot

Recalling her family’s emphasis on homemade food over the perfect setting, Sodha’s recipe hits all the right notes—easy prep, healthy ingredients, and a taste that remains delightful in any environment. Whether you’re on a scenic getaway or taking a travel break, this salad promises a satisfying meal.

Bringing It to Your Table—Or Picnic Blanket

With its vibrant medley of chewy freekeh, crisp fennel, crunchy apple, delicate dill, and protein-rich tofu, this recipe embodies Sodha’s goal of crafting dishes for everyday enjoyment. As she notes, great food can be savored anywhere, and her fuss-free freekeh salad ensures you’ll never have to search for the perfect view to have a memorable meal.