Spicy Indian Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is tasty, & versatile - very much like rice. Its similar in texture and appearance to couscous, but more substantial and nutritious. Quinoa has the most complete nutrition and highest protein out of any grain.

Helpful Quinoa Hints:

Quinoa has high oil content, so should be stored in the fridge or freezer to avoid becoming rancid
A tight fitting lid is essential for even cooking
Quinoa is coated with saponin, which will give it a bitter taste unless you rinse it - those tiny flaky bits in the rinse water are the saponin

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock or water (using a stock gives the quinoa more flavor)
1/2 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves crushed
1 tsp turmeric
1 TBS Curry (add more if you would like a stronger curry flavor)
3 cups spinach

Soak the quinoa 1/2 hour in cold water
Rinse very thoroughly in water several times. For each rinse, pour off most of the water and finish draining through a large fine mesh strainer
Place in 2 qt pot with 1 1/2 c. stock or water and 1/2 tsp salt
Bring to a boil, turn down to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes

Remove from heat, stir in spinach and allow to sit 5 minutes covered. Add in spices and drizzle olive oil over the top.

Fluff gently with a fork and set aside to cool. This is my favorite side dish for Salmon, but really can be served along side just about anything, chicken, steak, tofu....Get creative Quinoa will really take on whatever flavor you want it to. For my often picky kids I keep it very plain with just a little olive oil or butter. They love it!