Spiced Quinoa with Cranberries & Almonds Recipe

We all like trying something new and fresh, right?  I think that whilst I have cooked a large assortment of grains in my time, I have kept quinoa to a minimum due to my lack of knowledge about how to cook it perfectly. Quinoa was something that I thought was only available in health food stores but after discovering it in the aisle of my local supermarket, it will for sure be making a more regular appearance on the plate. 


Quinoa is a very healthy grain, it has the advantage that you can combine it with a variety of vegetables, nuts and legumes. It can also be eaten as an aperitif, in salads, as a side dish, or as a main meal.  Quinoa has three times more protein than rice and wheat and is also a source of fibre, iron, B vitamins, and folic acid.  

Of course, one can substitute quinoa with rice and cashews to match that nutty flavour, but if you find the real McCoy then you are on to a winner.  It is not only the end result of the cooked quinoa that had the wow factor, it is also the combined spiciness of this wonderfully coloured and aromatic recipe.

Sometimes, when I'm cooking dinner I like to plan in my mind for the next day's mission in the kitchen. Prepping something the day before will of course save time by simply storing it in a tupperware container and quinoa is no exception.  Simply cook the quinoa in water and store it in the refrigerator. Then, in the morning, it is quickly heated in a little milk and then ready to be mixed with your favourite ingredients; apples or berries such as raspberries or blueberries.  Why not go that extra mile and have something a little more extravagant like strawberry and coconut quinoa?

If you're in the mood for a heartier breakfast recipe, cook quinoa in vegetable broth and mix it with avocado, paprika and feta cheese or a hard-boiled egg with a little olive oil, herb salt and spring onions will complete your tasty breakfast.
 
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients
180g red quinoa
360ml water
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
½ medium-sized oniondiced
2 cups water
1 tsp kosher salt
1 bell pepperdiced
60g dried cranberriesrough chopped
70g blanched almonds
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

  • Instructions:
  • 1. In a mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa under running water.  Drain and set aside.

  • 2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a medium-size saucepan fitted with a lid. Heat the oil over medium heat and then add the minced garlic and onions. Continuously stir until the onions are translucent.

  • 3. Add the washed quinoa to the saucepan and add the water and salt. Bring the quinoa to a boil, cover with the lid and reduce to a simmer until all of the water is absorbed - approximately 20 minutes.

  • 4. Turn off the heat and allow it to sit covered for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking.

  • 5. Taste and season with more salt and freshly black pepper.

  • 6. Add the bell pepper, cranberries, almonds, and cinnamon to the cooked quinoa, stir to combine.

  • 7. Add the mint, just before serving gently stir into the quinoa. Garnish with additional mint if desired.

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