Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Q is for Quinoa

Q is for Quinoa

Quinoa is a grain but is not a true cereal. It has become very popular these days and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, in fact it can substitute for rice in any dish. The greens of the quinoa plant can also be eaten but they are not widely available. Oddly enough it is related to beetroot, spinach and tumbleweeds. A connection I would never have made. According to Wikipedia, Quinoa originated in the Andean region of PeruBoliviaEcuadorColombia and Chile, and was domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for human consumption in the Lake Titicaca basin, though archaeological evidence shows a non-domesticated association with pastoral herding some 5,200 to 7,000 years ago. I guess it's been around a very long time so it's odd that it has only appeared in our stores in recent years, I confess I have only ever used it in a salad recipe. Not really sure why I haven't used it for other dishes. By the way, it is pronounced KEEN Wa.

I was going to give the recipe I have used, but I have posted it a couple of times before. This looked good to me. The recipe tells you to wash the quinoa. The packets I have used do NOT tell you to do that so I would be careful what I was buying if I were you.


Beet, Blood Orange, Kumquat, and Quinoa Salad


My Recipes.com
4 servings

This hearty grain salad featuring blood orange sections, beets, kumquats and avocado is brimming
with rich colors, textures, and nutrients from the vitamin- and protein-packed ingredients.


Ingredients

DRESSING:
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 teaspoons grated blood orange rind
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons blood orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
SALAD:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 3/4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup blood orange sections, chopped (about 4 medium)
1 cup diced peeled avocado
whole kumquats, seeded and sliced
medium beets, cooked and cut into wedges


Preparation

1. To prepare dressing, combine first 10 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Set aside.
2. To prepare salad, place quinoa in a fine sieve, and place sieve in a large bowl. Cover quinoa with water. Using your hands, rub grains together for 30 seconds; rinse and drain. Repeat procedure twice. Drain well.
3. Combine 1 3/4 cups water, quinoa, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork. Combine quinoa, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, blood orange sections, avocado, and kumquats in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine. Add dressing; toss gently to coat salad. Spoon 1 cup salad onto each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 1/2 cup beets.
Have a great day
 

29 comments:

  1. I love the nutty taste of quinoa - and now we have farmers in our south west growing it commercially it's going to be cheaper and available in larger quantities. Unfortunately my husband is not so enthusiastic so I have to limit my use a bit.

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    1. I enjoy it too Helen and should use it more often than I do. I don't know if it's grown commercially here, probably.

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  2. I must admit I have only bought quinoa in those ready to serve packets that you just heat in the microwave or use in a salad. I've not really tried it very much. I should branch out :)
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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    1. I don't think I've seen those packets Tasha. Only the ones where you measure and boil what you need. It is an enjoyable food I think.

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  3. I've tried quinoa, but am not a fan. It is a good word to know for Scrabble players though.

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    1. You surprise me Denise, I would have thought you would enjoy it. You're right, good for Scrabble

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  4. I like quinoa but like you, have only done salads. I just made a delicious one with grilled chicken, zucchini, corn and feta cheese. I also make a good cheesy quinoa 'bread' too.

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    1. Mine also has chicken and feta JoJo. Bread sounds good too.

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  5. I haven't done much with quinoa but the few recipes I've eaten it in have always been delicious.

    betty

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    1. It's very nutty tasting Betty. Easy to use too.

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  6. A new ingredient to me but the one who does the cooking assures me she has heard of it.

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    1. You should get the one who does the cooking to get some and try it Bob. Either as above or a previous recipe I have posted.

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  7. I have never had this? Wonder why? Trying new foods scare me, too many allergies. It's no fun, the unknown. :)

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    1. Luckily, as far as I am aware, I am not allergic to any foods Yolanda so I like trying anything that comes my way.

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  8. I have eaten quinoa. I think I put it in a soup. I didn't realize how much it made and really went overboard. I tried freezing the left over. It's probably still in my freezer.

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    1. Funny Liz, I can just imagine it. It makes a great substitute for rice and adds a different flavour to things.

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  9. I use quinoa instead or rice as a side dish. Didn't know it had been around for so long.

    Susan Says

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    1. I know Susan, it's amazing what we learn through the A to Z.

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  10. For those of you who are interested, there is another quinoa recipe at http://tinyurl.com/hzt6yf7 which is the one I have used most often.

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  11. I've never tried quinoa instead of rice or anything else. Your only as good as your last meal and if its not on the box then beware. Fortunately I have you Jo.

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    1. Well I wish you would try some of these things Spacerguy. Stretching your taste horizons is great fun.

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  12. I imagine this salad being tasty and tart!

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    1. Not actually tried it yet Cynthia. But you are probably right.

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  13. It is strange how these so called super foods are popping up out of nowhere. I'd only think of putting it into a salad too. I used to call it Kwin-o-ah. Silly me.

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    1. True considering how long they have been around Pinky. I should investigate what other uses I would enjoy. If you don't actually see anything saying how it should be pronounced, that's not surprising.

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  14. I have heard of this but I have never tried it. I had no idea it's that old.

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    1. It is a good substitute for rice Birgit.

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  15. I believe it's a seed but used as a grain. Either way, I love it. Very nice when hydrated with homemade chicken stock. Of which, I cannot drink right now but hopefully soon.

    Anyway, love quinoa.

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    1. Pity about the chicken stock Ivy. But yes, I like quinoa very much too.

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