Ever since I discovered quinoa a few years ago, I've been in love with it! Hailing from the Andes, the Incas believed that quinoa was a sacred grain, calling it 'chisaya mama' or the mother of all grains. As an excellent source for plant protein (12-18% protein content thanks to its balanced set of essential amino acids), iron, magnesium, potassium and lysine, quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse! The South American grain can be substituted for rice, couscous and other refined starches in just about any recipe. As a vegetarian and being on a quest to eat more whole grains, I've been eating more and more quinoa lately.
If you make a big batch of this salad on the weekend as a I did, it will be perfect for a few days of delicious, nutritious lunches. Chickpeas and almonds add additional protein, while the shredded carrots pack in beta carotene and the cranberries vitamin C and fiber. Despite my trepidation about curry powder (it just seems like cheating somehow to this Indian girl!), it serves as a perfect seasoning in a salad like this. Enjoy it!
QUICK & EASY QUINOA LUNCH SALAD
Makes 4 lunch servings1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 to 1 tablespoon curry powder
Salt to taste
1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
2 tablespoons green onions or garlic chives, chopped (optional - make sure you brush your teeth afterwards if you use them, otherwise your co-workers might not be very pleased!)
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
4 tablespoons chickpeas
2 tablespoons sliced or slivered almonds
1. Place quinoa, water, curry powder and salt in a large saucepan and bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to low and cook until all the water is absorbed (as per package instructions).
2. Place the quinoa in a large bowl and let it cool. Add all of the remaining ingredients and toss. You're done!
This looks FANTASTIC!!! Holy cow... yum! I think I'll even add some Chia seeds and have this for tomorrow. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there! Love, love, love quinoa. It's almost a dream come true - easy to make, versatile, and healthy. I think you have inspired me to make some tonight!
ReplyDeletequinoa again :). Yes, it was quinoa week! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteQuina looks so popular..
ReplyDeletehow does it taste? :) is there any comparison? is it filling?
I have to find this..never taste it before, and it sounds so healthy and looks tempting!
ReplyDeleteGotta say, never tried anything like this before, so will give it a bash at some point as it looks great!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! You have to love a salad you can make that will last a few days.
ReplyDeleteMsByn - Great idea to add chia seeds, though I must say I have never tried them! How are they?
ReplyDeleteJessica & something good - Yay, quinoa! I just love it too!
Medeja - I think that the closest thing to quinoa in taste is bulghur, though quinoa is much better in my book.
Sandra & Travel Food Phil - You must try it! Quinoa is available in organic/natural foods stores as well as many larger supermarkets now. In the U.S., I used to buy it at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. Here in France, I can get it at most major supermarkets. Not sure about Ireland but I'm sure it's available readily there, Phil!
All That's Left Are the Crumbs - Yes, I love things that will last a few days!
What a lovely salad! sounds absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteSo smart to make this on the weekend and eat throughout the week!
ReplyDeleteI WANT THIS NOW! Please. Looking for quinoa this week!
ReplyDeleteThis recipe looks great. I have had some nice results from cooking the quinoa in broth; it adds a rich, hearty flavor. Love this blog...say hi to Luis for me.
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