A quick, simple, and nutritious salad! Balela is a Middle Eastern salad with chick peas, black
beans, parsley, and spices. There are variations that use mint, cumin, and other flavorings, but
this one is pretty basic. Feel free to experiment! The salad is very healthy with plenty of protein
and fiber from the beans. Serve with good rough peasant bread and red wine. Boun appetitio!

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained
1 15 oz can black beans, drained
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
½ chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced fine
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
Juice of one lemon (or 2 TBS of bottled lemon juice)
½ cup chopped fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley
Salt and fresh coarse ground black pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients, mix well. Allow to sit for 15-30 minutes. Serve at room temperature.
Serves 4.
Note: best served at room temperature but will keep for days in the refrigerator.

Thanks Rachael for the Great Recipe!!!