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Do you ever get on a culinary "kick"? You know, you find something you're quite fond of and it finds it's way onto your table again and again? This happens to me fairly regularly but being quite capricious, the next thing I know, I'm onto something else.
This time however, I think it's going to stick and that's a really good thing because my current rage is extremely healthy, inexpensive, amazingly adaptable and very delicious !!
It's Quinoa, and I am having so much fun with it. I bought a big (as in Humungous!) bag of quinoa at Costco a few weeks ago. I thought with just the two of us here at The Café, we'd be eating quinoa till the cows come home! But guess what? I'm working my way down that bag quite quickly and I have a feeling I'll be buying another in the not too distant future.
I love to cook a big pot of this delicious ancient grain at the beginning of the week and then use it in different ways all week long. It's great in salads, as a replacement for rice or potatoes and is wonderful in muffins, breads and pancakes.
I've been experimenting with the best way to cook quinoa. If it's not cooked right it can be a bit soggy verses the way we like it, fluffy, separating into individual grains rather than a heavy semi-solid mass. I've found that it all comes down to prep and water ratio. There are a few tiny steps in preparation (see link in recipe below for technique) that make a huge difference along with the amount of water used to cook this ancient grain. There are two schools of thought as far as water ratio; the first is double the amount of water to quinoa, the other calls for two parts quinoa to three parts water. I tested both and found the second much more to our liking, fluffy with the individual grains separate and evident rather than soggy and somewhat dense.
We LOVE this Black Bean and Quinoa Salad. It was inspired by a Greek café near our home that I visited earlier in the week with my daughter-in-law. Their salad did not include quinoa but was loaded with black beans, chick peas, peppers and bits of onion along with a generous dose of fresh herbs. The dressing was delicious, bright and lemony with a taste of cumin. You would have laughed had you seen Lindsay and I deconstructing our lunch, in hopes of figuring out the delicious salad.
I think I've come quite close and love that this one can serve as a main course as the quinoa is a complete protein and also adds tons of iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, lysine, folate and other essential amino acids. It's also a wonderful source of fiber and has no unsaturated fat. Wow, that's a mouthful! Do try this salad and discover for yourself that quinoa can be fabulously delicious!
- 2 cloves garlic
- fine zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed coriander seed you can use ground coriander but the fresh is so much more flavorful!
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously until well combined.
- 3 cups cooked quinoa*
- 2 15 ounce can black beans
- 1 15 ounce can chick peas
- ½ medium red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper I used red, orange and yellow, whatever you have is fine
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
-
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl along with ½ cup of the dressing. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes for flavors to develop. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
* ~ See Eating Rules for an excellent tutorial on what, I think, is the best way to cook quinoa.
Patty Price says
Your quinoa salad looks so healthy and delicious -I need to find myself one of those great big bags of quinoa at Costco 😉 love the dressing!
Happy Easter Chris 😉
Sandra Lee says
I've never had quinoa but this beautiful salad and your rave review are convincing me that I should.
Suzie says
Do you know I have never cooked with quinoa? I just haven't seen it available but, I see it is so popular. I am going in search of it because of you! I want to try this dish as my first quinoa dish 🙂 Happy Easter Chris!!
Karen says
This is a gorgeous salad - quinoa is definitely a favorite!
The Mom Chef says
I LOVE quinoa. I didn't think I would since I'm not huge on tiny grains, but this one is so much different. I love its chewiness. The salad look delicious, Chris. I hope you have a happy Easter. He is risen.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
New follower!! Love your blog!! We are looking forward to your posts. Hope you check out our bog.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
New follower!! Love your blog!! We are looking forward to your posts. Hope you check out our bog.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
What a colorful salad that must be delicious besides being healthy. I hope you and your family have a Happy Easter.
Hovkonditorn says
I love quinoa and black beans! This is a lovely salad!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
We love Quinoa and bet this is a great salad. I made something very similar last year but need to make it again. Certainly a great way to get all your nutrients. Thanks - Happy Easter Chris!
Angie Schneider says
A very beautiful and healthy salad, Chris.
Vicki Bensinger says
This is a beautiful salad and quinoa is one of the super grains. It's so good for you. So kudos to you and your hubby for eating so healthy. This looks like springtime on a plate.
lena says
i've not tried quinoa but would like to do so one day. Thanks for the water ratio tip!
Liz Berg says
Oh, yeah, what a perfect salad! I can see making a huge batch and eating it every day for lunch! How is that sweet new babe doing???
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
I'm seeing a lot of quinoa (which I love) recipes at the moment - but this looks wonderful! lots of great flavors 🙂
Mary x
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
Yum, I can almost taste all those wonderful flavors in this salad. This is hearty enough to make a very satisfying meal. Wish I could reach right in and scoop up a forkful.
Jemma says
I love your tips on how to prepare Quinoa-there are many times when I prepare quinoa or rice and either make it too dry or soggy-I guess it becomes a skill.
This salad is a hit in my home and in one of my daughters already and we haven't even made it yet!!
Looks wonderful and I know it will be!!
Happy Easter!
Jemma
Susan says
Love quinoa and this salad looks perfect!!!
Lenia says
I am a huge fun of quinoa!Love this salad!Healthy and delicious!
Hugs,dear Chris!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I want to dive right into this salad, Chris! It looks so tasty, especially with that honey-cumin vinaigrette!
Ginny says
What a beautiful meal this is, I bet it would keep you full for several hours.
Mi Ka says
Thank you, it´s a very good recipe!! I will try it!
Anonymous says
Linda cannot wait to try this..... quinoa is our favorite Love the sweet care you take with your family
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Cris: This salad looks so fresh and nutritious!!! I'd be so happy to have it anytime. Wishing you a very Happy Easter!
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
YUM!!! I love quinoa! I discovered it last year and never looked back. Like you, I make a big batch of it and add it to my cooking throughout the week! It's so healthy and so good and versatile! Your salad looks amazing, it's an awesome combination!! I want this for din din tonight!!