She Strengthens

Warm Up with a Flavorful Grain Dish

Are you looking for a flavorful and exotic grain dish to add some excitement to your meals? Look no further! This recipe combines the warmth of garam masala with the nuttiness of quinoa, creating a delightful and healthy dish perfect for any occasion.

The Magic of Garam Masala

Garam masala, a blend of warm spices, is commonly used in northern Indian cuisine to add depth and aroma to grains and vegetables. This aromatic spice blend typically includes cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and cardamom, which work together to create a rich and inviting flavor profile.

Make Your Own Garam Masala

Instead of relying on store-bought garam masala, why not try making your own blend? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a custom blend that suits your taste preferences.

The Recipe

This quinoa salad is a perfect showcase for the warm flavors of garam masala. With a combination of toasted quinoa, sweet currants, crunchy celery, and toasted almonds, this dish is both healthy and satisfying.

Preparation

To begin, rinse the quinoa well and drain. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toast the quinoa for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden.

Next, combine water, garam masala, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then add the toasted quinoa and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender.

While the quinoa cooks, prepare the currants by soaking them in hot water for 20 minutes, or until plump. Drain well and set aside.

In a separate skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the celery, bell pepper, and remaining garam masala, and sauté for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the scallions and sauté for an additional minute, or until just wilted.

Assembly and Serving

Using a fork, gently toss the celery mixture, currants, and almonds into the cooked quinoa. Serve at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate until cold.

Tips and Variations

This salad will keep for 2 days, covered and refrigerated. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or nuts. You can also serve the dish warm as a side dish, or as a cold salad.

Yield and Difficulty

Yield: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 45 minutes