Mexican Quinoa With Pepita Cilantro Sauce Recipes

MEXICAN QUINOA WITH PEPITA-CILANTRO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a small pot, bring water to boil over high heat. Add quinoa. Return to boil. Reduce heat to lowest setting; cover. Simmer 15 minutes. Water should be absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes to finish steaming. Transfer to a bowl. (I usually cook my quinoa, after toasting, in the microwave with the 1 1/2 cups of boiling water from the kettle, covered, for 12 minutes on medium-low -- about the same time it takes to cook basmati rice in my microwave).
• Meanwhile in a small skillet over medium-high heat, toast pepitas, shaking pan often, until they begin to pop and are fragrant and just starting to brown, 3-5 minutes.
• Transfer to food processor or blender. Add cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, salt and cumin. Process, scraping sides frequently, until well-minced. With machine running, gradually add oil, then lime juice, processing until as smooth as possible, and scraping down sides as needed.
• Stir pepita mixture, bell pepper and onions into quinoa. Stir well.
• Serve warm. Pass lime wedges separately, if desired.

CILANTRO LIME QUINOA

Steps:

• In a saucepan, saute the shallot and garlic in a little bit of olive oil until translucent.
• Add the quinoa and broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 minutes until broth is absorbed. Stir in pepper to taste, lime juice, butter, and cilantro.
• Add the beans to the quinoa and stir until heated through.

ZESTY CONFETTI SALAD WITH QUINOA

Steps:

• Rinse quinoa well. Combine with 3/4 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and holes have formed in surface of quinoa. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or cooler.
• Dry toast pepitas by putting them in a large skillet or frying pan and shaking over high heat until they begin to pop and "dance". Remove from heat.
• In food processor, combine pepitas, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Blitz until a rough paste forms. (It looks a little funny at this stage--don't worry!).
• In a very large bowl, combine veggies, quinoa and sesame seeds and toss. Add citrus-pepita dressing and mix well to coat. Chill at least one hour; overnight is ideal.