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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Feeling "Whole"

Whole grains have been on my mind more often lately. Of course I want the good stuff to get into my family's bodies, but they are also so earthy and grounding...beckoning me to get in touch with my core and actually feel whole. Does this make sense to anyone? Recently I came across an heirloom variety of Quinoa. It is Inca Red Quinoa by a brand called Ancient Harvest...and it's organic. Look how pretty:

This Pasankalla variety of Quinoa was almost extinct and has been re-discovered and begun to be farmed again in the altiplano highlands of the Andes mountains; this particular brand coming from Bolivia. Quinoa was an important part of the Incan culture (South America). Incans referred to quinoa as the "Mother Grain" and now it is becoming readily available once again!*

I came across Chef Fresco recently, and they had a great recipe for a Quinoa Salad that was the inspiration for my Incan Red Quinoa Salad.

Incan Red Quinoa Salad

by girlichef

1 c. Red (Pasankalla) Quinoa

~3/4 c. grape tomatoes, quartered

1/2 seedless cucumber, diced

zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp. capers, chopped

2 oz. soft Goat Cheese, crumbled

For the vinaigrette:

3 Tbs. Olive Oil

1 Tbs. White Wine Vinegar

1 tsp. minced shallots

sea salt & freshly ground black pepper- to taste

Optional:

Romaine lettuce leaves- whole, washed & patted dry

Cooked Chicken, shredded

Rinse and cook quinoa per package directions. Drain any excess water. Transfer to large bowl.

Add tomatoes, cucumber, lemon zest and capers. Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients and pour over quinoa mixture. Add in goat cheese and toss to combine.

Serve this salad as is, chilled. Or add some of the cooked, shredded chicken and serve. I really enjoyed it wrapped inside of a leaf of Romaine. This is a satisfying, delicious meal for a warm day...well, any day for that matter!

This is my submission for this week's Souper (soup, salad, sammie) Sunday. Head over to see this week's other offerings. *source: Ancient Harvest Inca Red Quinoa Box

Would you like to comment?

  1. I feel healthier just reading this - I will look for some of this quinoa

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  2. I haven't tried quinoa before but this salad looks yummy!

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  3. I love quinoa, but have never seen this variety before. I'll be on the look-out now!

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  4. I love salady stuff wrapped in the lettuce! I've never had or heard of quinoa. yeah! something new to look into and try :) Oh, and that souper sunday thing looks like a lot of fun.

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  5. Yummy! It looks delicious! I'm going to look for the quinoa and give it a try. Thanks :-)

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  6. We have quinoa often, but I've not yet seen this red variety. It looks very promising. I love grains that add color to a meal. We use lots of red and black rice. Now, hopefully, we'll be able to add red quinoa. Have a great day.

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  7. The colour looks great-must search for this variety!!

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  8. This looks like one terrific salad, Heather! I am not terribly fond of quinoa, but I have never tried this red variety, and it looks really good. Although DS and I are perfectly willing to eat whole grains, DC isn't a big fan of them-- but this looks like it could be a gentle introduction for him.

    :) k

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  9. I've been seeing quite a few quinoa recipes lately. I have yet to try it. I gotta get on the ball on this. I think this salad would be the best for me to try.

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  10. I have red quinoa in my cupboard right now. I haven't been able to think of what to do with it. This is a great idea. I love the goat cheese in there!

    Thanks for the reply regarding the peppers. :0)

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  11. I've only read about quinoa, but I am very intrigued by it. If I see it in our little city, I will certainly buy it as I would like to try this.

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  12. You know I am a huge Quinoa fan and just brought some red but have not cooked it yet. I will let you know once I have--great ideas girlie.

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  13. Yum! I have both red and regular quinoa in my cupboard and it always makes me feel whole and healthy. Your salad looks perfect--thanks for sending it along to Souper Sunday!

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  14. nice!! but I always have trouble with quinoa...they have that weird odor to them, however much I wash them! but I really really want to enjoy quinoa because they have such great nutritional profiles!
    by the way, love your new header!

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  15. I'll admit it, I see a recipe that calls for quinoa and I go 'huh?' and skip on by - thanks for showing me what it's all about :o)

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  16. This quinoa looks gorgeous!! And what nice flavors. I've never had it!! But you make me want some!

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  17. This sounds like an absolutely terrific and healthy salad. I love the color!

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  18. very healthy like your new title pic!

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  19. I bought some quinoa recently and was really wanting to make a tabouleh saled from it - very similar to this except yours has that ever wonderful inclusion of goat chesse - yum
    Hey - that new banner is soooo *girli* and so awesome - you can just give me a slice, hell with my carb banishment!

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  20. ah I made quinoa on the outing this weekend, and everyone said they had heard the name, but never tasted it, and liked it!

    Cool post, and glad you are getting the word out...I love it...

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  21. Haven't had quinoa salad before....this must be very good for a lazy easy day......with a glass of fruit punch.

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  22. I have bought quinoa but never really knew what to do with it. This looks great!

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  23. I'm excited about this recipe. I have been looking for new ones using this grain.

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  24. Dar,

    That really does look delicious and healthy. I definitely am in to the fresh flavors of the recipe. I will definitely have to try it!! I have to say that I have never even tried quinoa!! Have a great week.

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  25. You've inspired me to check out this whole grain.

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  26. What a fabulous recipe! I have used quinoa for breakfast cereal, and am excited to try using it this way!

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  27. Ya know, I've heard of this (from bakespace beeps) but I've never tried it. I think I'll look for it and give it a whirl. Thanks!

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  28. I have some red quinoa, I just love the colour. The salad sound great, love the use of grapes in it.

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  29. Mmm. This looks super refreshing...and yummy! I'm all about the whole grains. I'll have to give quinoa a whirl on of these days! Thanks for the idea!

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  30. I love to say Quinoa. Keeeeeenwa. Keeeeenwa. Yeah I'm weird.

    Yours turned out really pretty!

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  31. Sounds healthy and delicious and the color of the salad is gorgeous!

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  32. Yum! I am trying to cook more with quinoa, but I have never seen this kind, so pretty. Sounds like a great summer recipe- I wish we had that kind of weather, hopefully soon!
    http://sogkonniteliving.blogspot.com/

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  33. There have been so many wonderful quinoa recipes popping up and I have never tried it! This looks wonderful!

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