figtastic quinoa

by:

July 16, 2020

So many ways to dance to the same song, and so many different combinations to create grain combinations. Sometimes I am all about the green or the savory but other times I want a bite of something sweet. You can use dried fruits, such as figs, or fresh fruits. Nectarines are amazing in season, or why not a combo of both dried and fresh.

You can pump it up with lots of herbs, or thinly sliced kale (massaged in a little oil) or arugula. Dance like nobody is watching, cook like your heart desires, and everyone will join on you on the dance floor and at the table.

 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Quinoa, white, red, tri colored, or a combo, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1/3 cup Red rice, wild rice or black rice, lentils or beans of choice, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dried figs (ok could be dried apricots, or dates, or cranberries or…..)
  • 1/3 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup toasted nuts, sliced almonds or walnuts or any nut you go nuts for
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 glove garlic, grated
  • salt to taste 
Instructions
  1. RECAP: quinoa, yes, ancient grain, good for you, but what is really good for you, is to read the label before you get started.
  2. Quinoa needs to be rinsed, or it will have an unpleasant bitter taste to it.
  3. Some brands are PRE RINSED quinoa, in which case no washing required, hence the label.
  4. And if you have had quinoa but found it bitter and unpleasant, it is because you, or whoever cooked it for you, did not read the label! Some bulk grains could be rinsed or not, so when in doubt rinse it out. 
  5. Toss together all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. More lemon is always more, but go ahead, try lime, or a vinegar instead. You know FIG VINEGAR is really good for this. 
Photo and Food Styling by Mimi Newman