Mexican Quinoa with Pepitas and Cilantro

Recipe by: Robin Asbell | from The New Whole Grains Cookbook

Cookstr

Course: Side Dish

Total Time: Under 30 Minutes

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

mexican-quinoa-with-pepitas-and-cilantro

Photo by: Joseph DeLeo

Make a batch of this tasty dish and serve half warm tonight, then use the rest to stuff Whole-Grain Wraps tomorrow. Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals and complement the already high-protein, high-mineral quinoa.

Yield: Makes 3½ cups without the vegetables, about 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups water
1 cup quinoa
½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup cilantro leaves, washed and dried
2 cloves garlic
½ jalapeno chile
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 scallions, chopped

Directions

In a 2-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring the water to a boil. In a medium bowl, rinse the quinoa with warm water, pour off most of the water, then drain in a fine-mesh strainer. When the water boils, add the quinoa and bring it back to a boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. The water should all be absorbed, and small holes should have formed on the surface of the grain. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, to finish steaming.

In a large sauté pan over high heat, dry-toast the pumpkin seeds. Shaking the pan, move the seeds over the heat until they begin to pop. Remove from the heat and put them into a food processor or blender. Add the cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, salt, and cumin and process, scraping the sides down frequently, until all the ingredients are well minced. Gradually add the olive oil and lime juice, processing until smooth.

If serving immediately, stir the cilantro mixture, bell pepper, and scallions into the quinoa while still warm. Otherwise, chill the quinoa and add the remaining ingredients when it is cool.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 313kcal (16%)

Sodium 300mg (12%)

Total Carbohydrate 32g

Fiber 5g

Fat 17g (26%)

Trans Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 3g (13%)

Monounsaturated Fat 8g

Polyunsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 0mg (0%)