Quinoa and Ed

Whenever I include quinoa in a meal, I think of my dear friend Eduardo … Ed has been a forever friend (or so it seems) and he is one of the best cooks that I have been blessed by with many of his home-cooked delectable organic meals. In fact, Ed was the first to introduce me to benefits and joys of organic living, and for that I’ll be ever grateful!

Feeling like experimenting with a new recipe on our yoga-off night, I stumbled across this vegan salad. To be honest, this chilled meal is divine (and perfect for lunch fare), but I must admit, I wouldn’t hesittate to bypass this for a sampling of Ed’s scrumptiously famous chicken quinoa dish :). I miss you and your cooking Ed!

INTERNATIONAL QUINOA SALAD

Quinoa:
1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed very well
2 1/4 cups water
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)

Vegetables:
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 medium-large tomatoes, finely chopped
kernels of 2 ears of cooked corn (about 1 cup)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
2/3 cup parsley — minced
1/3 cup fresh mint — minced
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced (reserve a few slices for garnish)

Dressing:
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (NOT lemon)
3 tablespoons vegetable broth or bean cooking liquid
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper

To cook the quinoa in a pressure cooker, place it and the water, garlic, and salt in the cooker and lock the lid. Over high heat, bring to high pressure and cook for one minute. Remove from heat and allow the pressure to come down naturally. Fluff the quinoa and allow it to cool.

Combine all of the vegetables in a large bowl. Add the quinoa and mix well. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled. Taste before serving, and add more lime juice as necessary (you want it to be tangy). Garnish with avocado slices and serve. Makes about 10 servings.