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It's got all that fresh, raw veggie goodness: diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, minced fresh herbs. That refreshing squeeze of lemon and mint. But instead of the heavier, more traditional bulghur wheat (who said bulghur was vulgar? Were they right?), we use South American supergrain and nutrional powerhouse Quinoa.
If Quinoa was Lebron, Quinoua would have the stats, you know what I'm sayin'? High in protein, calcium, and fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates (read: sustained energy and good colon health), it also tastes amazing and is lighter in texture and on the gut than rice or couscous (though similar in shape and consistency). Check your local health food market for the goods.
Quinoa was revered in the ancient Inca culture and elevated to an almost god-like status. It translates roughly as "the Mother Grain," and was a center of cultural and social life.
Quinoa cooks up quick. 2 to 1 water to grain, bring to boil, lower heat to simmer, throw in a pinch of salt, lid it, and in 20 minutes you're good to go.
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Spread over a cookie sheet if you want it cooled in a hurry, otherwise dump into bowl, stir a few times to release the heat, and place in refrigerator until it comes to room temperature.
If you add the other ingredients while it's hot, all that fresh, raw goodness will wilt, so be patient and let the grains cool off. Have some iced tea or coffee while you're waiting and watch the grass grow.
Meanwhile, dice up your veggies, mince your herbs (dice is smaller than chop, mince is smaller than dice), and whisk your mint, lemon, and olive oil in a small mixing bowl. If a cereal bowl's all you've got, fine, use it; the "Dude" would be proud.
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When the quinoa has cooled, stir in the sauce and veggies and mix it all together. It's time to enjoy your refreshing summer salad.
Options: Add diced artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, black olive, avocado, or crumbled feta cheese on top for something extra special. Worship Inca gods, but refrain from human sacrifice; this is health food, yo.
Ian Finn, up on a mountaintop, chanting some crazy stuff.
