Thursday, September 24, 2015

Quinoa pasta salad


Quinoa (pronounced keenwa) is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It is a pseudocereal as true cereals are part of the grass family. It is high in protein and fiber and has a unique nutty flavour. 

If you haven't already discovered pasta made from quinoa, you are in for a treat. Although it is best eaten unprocessed, quinoa in pasta form is versatile and makes a great substitute for traditional wheat pasta, since wheat in any form is something to be avoided.

With this in mind, I hope you enjoy this recipe for quinoa noodles with spinach and tomatoes as much as I did.

Quinoa noodles with spinach and tomatoes

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

·         1 227g package gluten-free quinoa pasta
·         1 red onion, chopped
·         2 tablespoons olive oil
·         2 10- to 12-ounce containers grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
·         3 garlic cloves, pressed
·         2 5- to 6-ounce packages baby spinach
·         ¼ up Feta or goat cheese
·         3 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram, divided
·         1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
·         Additional finely grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

·         Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return cooked pasta to same pot.

·         Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onions until soft. Add tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds.

·         Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to skillet and stir, scraping up browned bits. Add tomato mixture with juices, spinach, 2 teaspoons marjoram, and crushed red pepper to pasta in pot; toss over low heat just until spinach begins to wilt, adding more pasta cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if dry, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl; add cheese and remaining 1 teaspoon marjoram. 

For a quicker meal, cook some organic quinoa macaroni. Add your favourite sauce, some olive oil and seasonings and enjoy.

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