Warm Quinoa

I absolutely LOVE quinoa! It is the most nutritious and delicious grain! Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it a complete protein source, unusual among plant foods. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also gluten-free and considered easy to digest.

As a Vegan, I eat quinoa often: as a side-dish (like rice), as a hot cereal (mixed with almonds, raisins and a splash of almond milk), or I used it as a stuffing for acorn squash or bell peppers.

This is a very simple, yet impressive recipe for Warm Quinoa. This is the perfect way to try quinoa for the first time or if you want to introduce friends and family to this Cynfully Good grain!


Serves 4
20-30 minutes cook time
Easy –moderate

INGREDIENTS
2 cups Quinoa (red or regular)
1 large Shallot
2 Oranges
½ lb sugar snap peas or green beans
1 cup Extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon
1 bunch cilantro
Salt & pepper
¼ cup canola oil (for sautéing)
¼ honey or agave

Cook Quinoa in boiling water (4 cups water to 1 cup Quinoa- al dente) strain, keep warm
Season Quinoa with lemon, salt, pepper and olive oil.
Cut Orange into segments and squeeze the remaining juice into a mixing bowl for vinaigrette.
Drizzle in Olive oil, add sugar or honey, salt and pepper and whisk to emulsify vinaigrette. Taste for balance.
Chop Shallot and add to Quinoa.
Chop Cilantro add to Quinoa.
Season Quinoa with lemon, salt, pepper and olive oil.

Blanch sugar snap peas or beans for 1 minute making sure they remain crunchy. Julienne.

Mix the peas and the citrus segments in with the seasoned quinoa.

Add some of the vinaigrette into the quinoa and reserve the remainder to garnish the finished plate.

Place some of the Warm Quinoa Salad on a plate. To finish drizzle some vinaigrette around the plate along with some fresh cilantro

Recipe from: MyGloss.com