I recently heard Dr. Daniel Amen give the clearest explanation of why we should eat organic foods. He said (and I paraphrase): We have all these little bugs that live in our body that aid in our digestion. When we eat foods that have been sprayed with pesticides to kill bugs on our food, it also kills the 'good' bugs inside our body. We don't want to do that.
We often say (in this very newsletter!) that everything is the Buddha. Spending the extra money or shopping at the natural food stores or farmer's markets in order to buy organic seems a powerful way to practice lovingkindness without distinction -- to the bugs, to the earth, to our bodies -- and to acknowledge that everything is the Buddha and we are all one.
I hope you enjoy this delightful salad of lots of organic veggies!
Gassho,
Rebecca
Mediterranean Rice Salad
1½ teaspoon salt
1½ cup white organic basmati rice
¼ cup lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup chopped black olives
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
In a medium saucepan, bring 2½ cups water to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon salt and the rice. Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.
In a large bowl, whisk lemon juice, garlic, oregano, pepper, pepper flakes, and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Add rice to the dressing and toss to combine. Add spinach, toss, and let sit until it cools, about 20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or cold.
Serves 6.