Gluten free Greek Quinoa with traditional Mediterranean ingredients

greek style quinoa

Quinoa has a delicious light, nutty flavor. When it cooks, the grain opens up to make tiny spirals. Quinoa contains complete protein with all eight amino acids and therefore has better protein value than most other grains. It is also a good source of fiber,complex carbohydrates,calcium,phosphorus,iron and Vitamin A,B and E.

A nutrient-dense grain; perfect for those who have elevated needs, such as pregnant or nursing mothers.

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

Organic Quinoa uncooked                                        1 cup

Water or vegetable broth                                         2 cup

Garlic minced                                                          2 cloves

Ginger finely chopped                                              1 tsp.

Green chilli (seeds discarded) finely chopped              1

Red onion finely chopped                                          1

Pepper any kind sliced thinly                                      1 small

Tomato sliced thinly (optional)                                   1 small

Celery chopped                                                         1 stick

Asparagus chopped                                                   6 sticks

Orange Carrot chopped                                            1 small

Cauliflower floret cut into small pieces                       1 cup

For seasoning:

Dry basil leaves                                                        1tsp.

Black pepper freshly crushed                                     1 tsp.

Salt                                                                         as taste

Sugar                                                                      ½ tsp.

For tampering:

1 tbsp. oil

¼ tsp.  Cumin seeds

¼ tsp. Mustard seeds

For garnishing:

Crumbled feta cheese

Finely Chopped parsley or cilantro.

Grated pecan nuts or cashew nuts.

Pumkin seeds

raisins

Method:

Cleaning part of the quinoa is very important.

Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that repels insects and birds. The removal of saponin is very important because it can create a bitter taste.

Most quinoa found in markets are relatively clean but It’s safe to rinse grains not only to remove that bitter substance but also  to remove dust or starches that they may have.

Fill a large bowl with clean, fresh water. Add the quinoa to a FINE MESH strainer. (The strainer must be fine because quinoa is so teeny tiny it would slip through the holes of most strainers or colanders.) Bounce the strainer vigorously up and down, occasionally stirring the grain with your free hand. Change the water when it becomes dark, and repeat the process until the water stays clear.

Place rinsed quinoa, salt, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa looks translucent. You will see the white outer germ forming a ring around the grain. Fluff with a fork.

Heat oil in a wok on high to medium-high heat.

Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.

When they start crackling, add minced garlic, ginger and chopped green chillies, Sauté for 1 minute.

Add red onion and sauté until the onion become translucent. Add tomato( optional) and sauté further until tomato become pulpy and leaves oil.

Add carrot and follow with your cauliflower florets. Mix together and let surface of florets begin to brown. Add celery and asparagus mix, and Sprinkle generously (remember you have already added salt in quinoa) with salt and add pepper ( I have used green pepper and yellow  pepper but you can use any kind), stir for another 1 minute or so and then add quinoa and start mixing.

Add sugar and seasoning, stir 1 minute on low heat just to blend the spices and vegetables with Quinoa.

Sprinkle the garnishing material.

Serve hot.

Note: It’s important to rinse your quinoa JUST BEFORE you use it. If the quinoa sits too long after rinsing it will throw off your cooking times and your quinoa will turn to mush.

You can cook it without garlic and onion and can skip feta cheese if you are following pure vegeterian recipe.