Quinoa and Chick Peas Salad

Ingredients:

 

1 ½ c quinoa

3 c water

pinch of salt

tsp of turmeric (added to water)

 

½ onion, finely diced

½ red (or green or yellow) bell pepper

½ c diced green olives

½ c white raisins

¼ c crushed walnuts

1 can chick peas

Vinaigrette:

¼ c lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

¼ c olive oil

 

Directions:

 

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in cold water then pour into a fine meshed strainer and rinse again under running water (if not rinsed well, quinoa tends to be bitter).

 

Bring water to boil and add salt and turmeric, stir in the quinoa.

 

Lower the heat, cover and cook for 15min.  Taste the grain.  There should be just a little resistance and the opaque spiraled ring of germ should show.  If necessary continue cooking until done.

 

In a larger bowl combine the onion, peppers, walnuts, green olives, and raisins.. 

 

Mix together the ingredients for the vinaigrette and add to the bowl.

 

Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl.  Give it a good mix and ENJOY!