Quinoa is one of my favorite foods to eat! You can make savory and sweet dishes using quinoa. This seed is less starchy than rice or wheat, which makes it a great choice for people watching the quality/quantity of carbs they eat. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein as well as gut-friendly dietary fiber.
Here is an easy, delicious and nutritious quinoa recipe, perfect for the summer!
Quinoa and Calamari Salad
Course: DinnerCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Medium15
minutes30
minutesHere is an easy, delicious and nutritious quinoa recipe, perfect for the summer!
Ingredients
2 CUPS QUINOA RINSED UNDER COLD WATER
3 CUPS VEGETABLE BROTH OR WATER
1 POUND CALAMARI (TUBES AND TENTACLES) CLEANED, AND TUBES CUT INTO SLICES
2 CUPS GRAPE OR CHERRY TOMATOES CUT IN HALVES
1 12-OZ CAN ARTICHOKE HEARTS CUT IN HALVES (DISCARD THE LIQUID)
3 GARLIC CLOVES MINCED
2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL (RESERVE 1 TBSP)
6-8 LARGE FRESH BASIL LEAVES WASHED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED
1 BAY LEAF
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine vegetable broth or water, bay leaf and rinsed quinoa. Bring to a boil with lid on. Once it starts boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the skillet is really hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil (make sure oil coats the bottom of the pan) and immediately after add the calamari on a single layer. Cook for 1½ minutes. Remove from heat and place on a shallow plate, previously placed on top of ice cubes. This will stop the cooking process.
- In the same skillet you cooked the calamari, and over medium-heat, add the remaining oil. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Increase the heat to medium-high; add tomatoes and artichokes. Cook for about 2 minutes or until tomatoes start to render their juice.
- Add cooked quinoa and season with a little extra salt and pepper if necessary. Cook for about 2 extra minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix in reserved calamari and chopped basil. Serve immediately.