Author Notes
This recipe was inspired by ingredients in my pantry and a recent fascination with Middle Eastern cuisine. Between the sweetness of the currants and onions, salty/nuttiness of the pistachios and quinoa and freshness of the mint, this dish fully satisfies the palate. Given that the whole dish takes about 15 minutes and most of the ingredients can be kept in your pantry, it's a great go-to, quickie to have on hand. Sometimes if I'm really feeling lazy and don't want to go to the market, I don't use mint and it's still VERY delicious! But of course the mint adds a wonderful fresh flavor. This salad is great served at any temperature and lasts up to a week. —TheGastroNerd
Ingredients
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1 cup
quinoa
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2 cups
water
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1/4 cup
dried currants
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1
medium red onion
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1/4 cup
toasted pistachios
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1 tablespoon
fresh mint, chopped or chiffonade
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generous pinches
of salt to taste
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2-3 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
Directions
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Combine water, quinoa and currants and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once at a boil, turn down to a simmer and cover with a slight opening for air to leave. Cook until the water is fully absorbed, approximately 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, peel and cut the red onion, small dice. In a large sauté pan, sweat onion over a low heat until tender and translucent in a generous amount of olive oil 1-2 tablespoons, about 10 minutes. Add more olive oil if needed to prevent the onions from developing any browning.
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Roughly chop pistachios. Add to onions once they are fully sweated.
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When the quinoa is done, add to sauté pan with onions and pistachios. Mix well. Season with salt to taste. Toss in mint and serve!
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