Sicilian Style Toasted Quinoa Recipes

ONE SKILLET MEXICAN QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute jalapeno pepper and garlic in hot oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir black beans, tomatoes, yellow corn, quinoa, and chicken broth into skillet; season with red pepper flakes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir avocado, lime juice, and cilantro into quinoa until combined.

SICILIAN-STYLE TOASTED QUINOA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine sun-dried tomatoes and boiling water.
• Let stand until softened, about 20 minutes.
• (Timing may vary depending upon dryness of tomatoes.) When softened, thinly slice.
• In large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until onion is lightly browned.
• Add Swiss chard, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and cook, stirring frequently, 5 to 7 minutes or until chard is tender.
• Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat.
• Add drained quinoa and cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until lightly golden.
• Add 4 cups water, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.
• Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 12 to 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
• Transfer mixture to large bowl.
• Stir in sunflower seeds, raisins, Parmesan, Swiss chard mixture, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Toss with a fork to combine.

QUINOA-TOASTED

Steps:

• Pour 1 cup quinoa into a fine strainer and rinse thoroughly under cool water-this will get rid of it's natural, bitter coating. I find this method helpful too-pour quinoa into a medium bowl, add cold water and swish around with your hand. Place a unbleached coffee filter into your strainer, then drain off the quinoa. It's a lot less annoying this way as the tiny grain won't get stuck in your strainer.
• Put rinsed quinoa into a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Cook, shaking the pan for around 15 minutes or until the quinoa reaches a golden brown.
• Remove from heat and pan and cool.
• Store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid.
• Keeps for up to 1 month.