Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru

Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Italy, Peru | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru is a refreshing and nutritious salad that originates from Peru. This dish is packed with flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Quinoa has been a staple food in Peru for thousands of years, dating back to the time of the Incas. This ancient grain is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it a popular ingredient in Peruvian cuisine.

Ingredients

2 cups raw quinoa
2 qt (1.89 liters) + 0.5 cup water
0.33 cup lime juice
2 aji chiles, fresh, stems and seeds removed, finely chopped
0.67 cup olive oil
2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, cut into 0.5" cubes
1 large tomato, seeds removed, cubed
8 green onions, white only, thinly sliced
0.33 cup italian parsley, fresh, minced
0.33 cup mint, fresh, minced
salt and black pepper
2 heads of bibb lettuce, shredded

Garnishes

3 eggs, hard boiled, thinly sliced
2 fresh ears of corn, cooked and cut into 2" rounds
1 cup black olives, thickly sliced

How to prepare

Rinse the quinoa under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Combine the quinoa with the water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until all the grains are translucent.
Drain and transfer the quinoa to a bowl. Chill in the refrigerator.
Whisk together the lime juice, chiles, and olive oil. Set aside.
Combine the chilled quinoa, cucumbers, tomato, green onions, parsley, and mint. Mix gently.
Pour the lime juice mixture over the top and toss again.
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute quinoa with couscous or bulgur for a different flavor profile.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Be careful not to overcook the quinoa, as it can become mushy.

- Chill the quinoa before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a refreshing salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light and refreshing main dish or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the quinoa until translucent for the perfect texture.

- Chill the quinoa before mixing with the other ingredients to keep the salad refreshing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red or white quinoa instead of the traditional variety.

- Substitute red wine vinegar for the lime juice for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the garnishes right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad on a bed of shredded bibb lettuce for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with sliced eggs, corn rounds, and black olives for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the fresh flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Quinoa is a great source of carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day. This salad is a healthy option for those looking to fuel their bodies with complex carbs.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, which are essential for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. This salad is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lime juice and antioxidants from the fresh herbs.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru is a well-rounded dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Summary

Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru is a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Lima, Peru. My grandmother, Mama Rosa, was the one who introduced me to this delicious and nutritious dish.

Mama Rosa was a talented cook who always had a knack for creating mouthwatering meals with simple ingredients. She learned to cook from her own mother, who passed down generations of family recipes that were cherished and enjoyed by all. Mama Rosa always said that food was a way to bring people together, to create memories and connections that would last a lifetime.

One day, Mama Rosa took me to the bustling market in Lima, where vendors were selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. We walked through the colorful stalls, the air filled with the aroma of spices and herbs. Mama Rosa knew many of the vendors by name, and they greeted her warmly as we passed by.

As we made our way through the market, Mama Rosa stopped at a stall where a friendly woman was selling bags of quinoa. Quinoa was a staple in Peruvian cuisine, a nutritious grain that had been cultivated in the Andes for centuries. Mama Rosa picked up a bag of the tiny grains and inspected them carefully, nodding in approval at their quality.

"This is the key ingredient for our Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru," Mama Rosa said with a smile. "Quinoa is not only delicious, but it is also packed with protein and nutrients. It's a perfect addition to any salad."

I watched as Mama Rosa paid for the quinoa and we continued our shopping, picking up fresh vegetables, herbs, and a few other ingredients for the salad. As we made our way back home, Mama Rosa began to tell me about the origins of the recipe.

"Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru is a traditional dish from the Andean region of Peru," Mama Rosa explained. "It's a simple salad made with cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that can be served as a side or a main course."

When we arrived home, Mama Rosa set to work in the kitchen, washing and chopping the vegetables, and cooking the quinoa until it was fluffy and tender. I watched in fascination as she mixed everything together in a large bowl, the colors and textures coming together to create a beautiful dish.

Finally, Mama Rosa drizzled the salad with the tangy dressing, a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. She tossed everything gently, making sure that the flavors were evenly distributed throughout the salad. The aroma that wafted from the bowl was mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

We sat down to eat, the flavors of the salad exploding in my mouth with each bite. The quinoa was nutty and tender, the vegetables crisp and fresh, and the dressing tangy and bright. Mama Rosa smiled as she watched me eat, knowing that she had passed down another cherished family recipe to me.

Over the years, I have made Ensalada con Quinoa de Peru many times, each time remembering that first day in the market with Mama Rosa. I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different vegetables and herbs, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

Now, as I share this recipe with my own family and friends, I pass on the story of how I learned to make it from Mama Rosa, the talented cook who inspired me to create delicious meals and memories that will last a lifetime. And as I watch my loved ones enjoy the salad, I know that Mama Rosa's spirit lives on in every bite.