While I am traveling on business for the next couple of weeks, some of my friends have graciously sent me articles and photographs to share with all of you. I can’t wait for you to meet each one and discover new blogs to follow and meet some of the best talent in the industry!
Today the lovely Dimple Makani from Shivaay Delights has made a beautiful vegetarian quinoa salad filled with the flavors of spring! I love quinoa (keen-wah); it is a protein-packed gluten-free grain with a slightly nutty flavor and pleasant chewy texture. When cooked in vegetable or chicken stock, you get even more flavor and protein! It is quickly gaining popularity here in the U.S. and is one of Dimple’s favorites. This recipe is also dairy-free for those with lactose sensitivities.
Sauteing asparagus and chiles for the salad
Thank you Dimple for sharing this lovely recipe!
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I am thrilled to be writing a guest post for Jane here at The Heritage Cook. I thought I would share my latest love of Quinoa with you all. A versatile healthy grain full of protein that you can pretty much make anything with. From baking to cooking to roasting! It’s brilliant!
Adding cooked quinoa to the sauteed vegetables
I really love it in a warmed through salad. I have only started making it but have seen it everywhere up until now. It’s strange how I really like quinoa but am not a fan of couscous. The quinoa really absorbs flavour. With this salad you will get heat from the chile, tanginess from the lemon, and Mediterranean notes from the oregano and olive oil dressing!
I hope my love of quinoa and this recipe gets you experimenting with this wonderful ingredient. Thanks again to Jane for giving me this opportunity to share with you all. Hope to see you all soon, come visit me at www.Shivaaydelights.com
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 tsp dried oregano (slightly less than 1/2 tsp or two large pinches)
- 1 red chile, sliced (such as red jalapeno, red Fresnos, etc.)
- 8 to 10 asparagus spears, trimmed and chopped into 1 cm pieces (about 1/3-inch)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (or powder)
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- 2 cups pre-cooked quinoa (follow directions on package)
- Dried chile seeds or flakes, optional
- Heat the oil in a nonstick saucepan with the dried oregano on a low heat.
- Add the chile and mix well. Cook for a few minutes so that the oil takes on the heat from the chile.
- Throw in the asparagus and sauté until al denté (tender to the bite). Season with the salt and mix in the garlic granules.
- Squeeze in a little lemon juice and stir in the pre-cooked quinoa.
- Warm through and serve, you may wish to add some more lemon juice and sprinkle with dried chile seeds or flakes.
To learn more about Dimple Makani, follow her food adventures and discover her delicious recipes, make sure you visit Shivaay Delights. And to follow her on social media, click on these links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shivaaydelights
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShivaayDelights
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ShivaayDelights/shivaay-delights-recipes/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/106413078467468086100/posts
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Thank You!
angela@spinachtiger
What a beautiful picture and so perfect for Spring.
Jane Bonacci
Isn’t it lovely Angela – quinoa and asparagus are perfect for spring! Dimple shared a beautiful recipe with all of us!