Quinoa with Blood Orange and Basil

Blood Oranges have been a big trend these days in the blogosphere.  I grabbed some at the market to figure out what the buzz is all about.  I brought them home and there they sat….and sat.  They looked very pretty on the kitchen counter.  We sliced them & thought they were OK.  I personally like a bit more tartness to my citrus.  I felt like I was missing something.  I was clinging to the challenge to do something with this beautiful fruit.  Good food does not go to waste around here, ever.

(Note to parents or caretakers:  Beware when serving to small children!  My kids faces looked like they had the starring roles in a horror film after they had a few slices.  With cheeks and hands covered in the dripping blood red juice, they were quite the sight.  I suggest not adding this type of orange to the lunch boxes unless it is sliced really small and can be eaten with a fork, this quinoa salad should be fine!)

The blood oranges went into the fridge and there they sat.  For a while.  Each time I opened the doors they would stare back at me.  They wanted me & I wanted them we just couldn’t figure out how to make a union.

There it was, as clear as day.  A quinoa salad with blood orange and basil was gonna be the flavor creation of the day!  Not only did it come together quickly, but it tastes great and a big batch will last quite a while.  The flavors blend nicely and get better when they have a chance to marry overnight.

This salad brings out the flavors of spring.  Even folks like me who cling to everything winter will love the peppiness of this whole grain salad.  A bowl of this quinoa and I am ready to embrace the tastes and flavors of the upcoming warm weather seasons!  Grab a spoon and dig in.

By the way: I am please to share that I finally have a firm grasp on how to pronounce this grain.  I used to butcher it.  The correct pronunciation is “Keen-wah.”

Fresh Benefits

• Quinoa is gluten free.
• Low on the glycemic index, slow burnin’ good fuel.
• Loaded with phytonutrients and minerals.
• Great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
• Quinoa is an inexpensive whole grain.  No excuses not to grab a bag.
• Quick cooking.  In 15 minutes your quinoa is ready to serve! (healthy Fast Food guys!!)
• There are many varieties of this grain.  Each have a similar nutritional profile.  From red to cream, pinks, brown & black, you can create beautiful, rich looking dishes with quinoa.
• Quinoa is a complete protein with 9 essential amino acids.  Amino acids are the building blocks needed for our tissue development.
• A great way for vegetarians to get a complete source of protein.
• This versatile grain can be seasoned and used in many ways.
• Quinoa is a great addition to soup, casseroles, stews, chili.  Wonderful to use for breakfast too!
• Quinoa keeps a nice firm, nutty texture, doesn’t get mushy even with sauces.

To learn more about the health benefits of quinoa click HERE.

Quinoa can be found in most markets.  To purchase Quinoa online:

Quinoa

Nuts Online

Quinoa with Blood Orange and Basil

about 8 half cup servings

• Source Organic ingredients when available
• Shop for ingredients at the Family Fresh Cooking Amazon Store
• As always, use your own taste buds to determine how you want to season your Quinoa.
• Cook your Quinoa in a Big Batch so they are grab and go and at the ready.

Ingredient List

1 cup dry Quinoa (prepare according to package)

Handful chopped fresh Basil + some for garnish

3 Blood Oranges: cut into small pieces with pith and seeds removed

1/2 Lemon or 1 Tbs Lemon juice

juice from 1/2 Navel Orange (any “orange” Orange) or a few tbs Orange Juice

Olive Oil

Salt to taste

chopped Green Onion (Scallions)

Dash of the following spices:

ground Black Pepper

Cinnamon

Tumeric

METHOD

1. Prepare quinoa according to package.   One cup of dried quinoa will yield a good amount of cooked quinoa.  It expands quite a bit.
2. Let quinoa cool and toss with all of the above ingredients.  Add the sliced blood orange last so they don’t break up too much when you combine.
3. Enjoy!!

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Fresh Variations

• Toasted nuts: Quinoa pairs really well with nuts.  Try adding some walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, almonds, etc…
• Add some cheese: Top with Chevre (creamy goat cheese), Feta, good sliced Parmesan, Romano, Gruyere, etc..
• Dried Fruit: Toss in some chopped dried Apricots, Cranberries, Cherries, etc…
• Have a few ounces of quinoa with cheese or nuts for a mini meal.
• Toss with mixed greens and some lean protein for a balanced salad.
• Use as a bed under your favorite lean protein.  Serve with a side of steamed veggies.
• Use unseasoned quinoa for breakfast instead of oatmeal.  Serve with any toppings you would put on your oats.

Tagged as: basil, blood orange, cinnamon, Easter, feeds a crowd, gluten free, healthy, inexpensive, mini meals, Organic, picnic food, quinoa, salad, springtime, summer entertaining, Whole Foods, whole grains