indian quinoa salad

indian quinoa salad

one of my favorite grain dishes incorporates garam masala, an exotic blend of warm spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, and cardamom. this exotic blend is used in the colder regions of norther india to accent grains and vegetables. serve this dish cold or at room temperature as a salad or warm as a side dish. serves 6.

needed:
2 cups quinoa
4 cups water
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup currants
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 stalks celery, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
5 green onions (white & green parts) thinly sliced diagonally
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

directions:
* rinse the quinoa well and drain. heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. add quinoa & stir constantly for 10 minutes or until the moisture evaporates and the quinoa is fragrant, dry and golden.
* combine 3 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of the garam masala, and the salt in a large, heavy saucepan. bring to a boil over high heat. add the toasted quinoa and return to a boil. cover and decrease the heat to medium-low. simmer gently without stirring for 15 minutes or until the liquid evaporates and the grains are tender.
* meanwhile, bring the remaining 1 cup of water to a simmer in a small saucepan. remove from the heat, add the currants, and soak for 20 minutes, or until plump. drain well.
* heat the sesame oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. add the celery, bell pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala. saute for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. add the green onions and saute 1 minute longer, or until just wilted.
* using a fork, gently toss the celery mixture, currants, and almonds into the quinoa. serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate until cold.
* the salad will keep for 2 days, covered and refrigerated.

recipe from "the real food daily cookbook: really fresh, really good, really vegetarian" by ann gentry.

we have copies of this fabulous tried and true cookbook in the blissblissbliss boutique for sale.

above pic credit melita who tested this recipe and can't recommend it highly enough!