Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
(August 23, 2008)
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients
-  1 cup quinoa, uncooked
-  2 cups vegetable stock (or any kind of stock you have on hand)
-  2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
-  1 cup zucchini, chopped
-  1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
-  1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced on an angle
-  1/4 cup basil, chopped
-  3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
-  3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-  salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions
1. Rinse quinoa. Pour stock and quinoa into a medium pot. Over medium-high heat bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
2. Pour the cooked quinoa into a bowl and set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl combine: chopped garlic cloves, chopped zucchini, quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced scallions and chopped basil.
4. Stir in the cooled quinoa to the vegetables.
5. Pour on the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Alternatives
-  For a special presentation serve individual portions in crisp lettuce or cabbage !eaves. Add 1 ounce crumbled oat cheese for added flavor.

QUINOA
(pronounced keen-wa)
Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard.

Native to South America, quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations.  A recently rediscovered ancient "grain", quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas".

Not only is quinoa high in protein (12%-18%), but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning it includes all nine essential amino acids.  This makes it a good choice for vegetarians and vegans concerned about adequate protein intake.  Quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.

In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients.  It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium, copper, and iron.  Quinoa is gluten free and considered easy to digest.

This "grain" may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Sources:

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Litchfield Hills Food Systems, Inc.
Box 607, Litchfield, CT 06759
info@litchfieldhillsfood.org