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This very easy-to-make Quinoa Salad recipe and photos were shared with me by Karen Calanchini, Food
Stylist and Photographer, of Redding, CA.
Karen says, "Inca Red Quinoa has a very
impressive red and burgundy coloring. It's unique appearance and texture, plus its marvelous flavor, makes a very healthy and beautiful dish.
This dish goes well with
Roast Chicken with Thyme Butter and
Tomatoes Marinated In Herbs."
Pasta Hints and Tips and more delicious
Pasta Recipes.
Red Quinoa Salad with Lime
Chipotle Vinaigrette Recipe
Recipe Type:
Salad and Salad Dressing,
Beans,
Corn,
Chile Pepper,
Quinoa
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 min
Ingredients:
Lime-Chipotle Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
1 cup uncooked
Inca Red Quinoa*
2 cups water
1/2 cup
Black Valentine Beans, cooked according to package directions**
1 ear of fresh corn, grilled and kernels cut from the husk***
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, cored, and sliced
1/2 orange bell pepper, seeded, cored, and sliced
1/2 red jalapeno
chile pepper , stemmed, seeded, and chopped
2 green
onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
 * Quinoa (Keen-wah) - An ancient food that has been cultivated in South American Andes since at least 3,000 B.C.
and has been a staple food of millions of native inhabitants who called quinoa the "mother grain" and revered it as sacred. Technically
quinoa is not a true grain, but is the seed of the Chenopodium or Goosefoot
plant. It is used as a grain and substituted for grains because of
its cooking characteristics. Quinoa contains more high quality
protein than any other grain and it is gluten free. The National
Academy of Sciences calls it one of the best sources of protein in
the vegetable kingdom.
To purchase
Quinoa, check out What's Cooking America's Cooking Store.
** Heirloom Black Valentine beans are the best black beans available. They are a
nice solid bean with a meaty texture and a rich, nutty flavor. If you source them
very fresh from a grower, there is no need to soak them before cooking.
If using beans older than 1 year, soak the beans for at least 2 hours, or
overnight before cooking; drain off soaking water before cooking.
Check out
Dried Bean Hints and Tips.
***
How To Grill Corn On The Cob
Preparation:
Prepare Lime-Chipotle Vinaigrette. Prepare the vinaigrette earlier in the
day to allow flavors to blend. Stir or shake before serving.
Quinoa has a bitter coating (saponins) which needs to be rinsed away before use. Much of the quinoa sold commercially in North America is processed
to remove this coating. However, I always rinse it anyway. I made the mistake of not doing so once and my quinoa tasted very bitter, not at all
what I was expecting! I suggest you do this extra step.
Place quinoa and water into a large pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce to low, cover pot, and let simmer until all water is absorbed, approximately 15 to
20 minutes. When done, the grain appears soft and the red becomes translucent.
Remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork; set aside and let cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine
the cooled quinoa with the black beans, corn kernels, red bell pepper, orange
bell pepper, green onions, red pepper flakes, and cilantro leaves. Toss the salad with the
prepared Lime-Chipotle Vinaigrette, mixing well.
Refrigerate until ready to serve, but
allow to come to room temperature before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings
(if desired), and gently toss the salad one more time.
Garnish with cilantro
leaves before serving.
Makes 4 servings.
Lime-Chipotle Vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon garlic
olive oil
Juice from 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2
garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon
chipotle powder
Coarse sea
salt and freshly-ground
black pepper to taste
Cilantro leaf for garnish
In a small bowl or small jar with a lid, combine the garlic olive oil,
lime juice, cumin, garlic, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper.
Set aside for flavors to blend.
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