How do you say Quinoa (kean-wah)

Nutty Quinoa Salad

4-6 Servings

Quinoa is an ancient grain with a high protein content. It does not have much taste on its own, but soaks up other favors quickly. It will look like a tiny translucent pearl with a brown hull when cooked. I can only find it in the grain section at the organic store but those with larger groceries stores should be able to find it there as well. I soak the quinoa for a couple of hours, cut the water to a 1/1 ratio and then it cooks in no time. If you do not have time to soak it, make sure to rinse it a few times before cooking.

1 C. quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 c golden raisins
1/4 c. sesame oil
3 scallions, slice white bulbs and 3 in. green
1/2 c. unsalted roasted peanuts
1/2 c. canned mandarin orange sections, drained
2 Tbl. chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tsp. grated orange zest

1. Combine quinoa and water in a large saucepan, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add raisins and
continue cooking until all liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
If you have soaked grains, add raisins right away. Remove from heat and spread
mixture out on baking sheet. Let cook completely.

2. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa and raisins with remaining ingredients.
Toss gently and serve.

Use as main course salad or as an accompaniment to meat- good with pork tenderloin or chicken.