who says healthy is not delicious??.....quinoa pilaf at kitchen! kitchen!

a white quinoa pilaf with dried cherries; raisins, toasted almonds,
chives, and cilantro....it's healthy, nutritious and
super delicious.!!

Quinoa the "mother grain" sustained the Incas thousands of years ago! What could be more exciting than that!!! So here's my quinoa pilaf ... so easy and delicious.

What you need to cook this wonderful "mother grain" ....

1 cup of quinoa (rinse in cold water in a strainer)
In a small pan add the quinoa and 1-1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover loosely and simmer on low heat until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff and cover.

Accessorizing the "mother grain" with.....
2 tablespoons dried sour cherries
1 tablespoon of black raisins
1/4 cup of slivered toasted almonds
1/2 red onion chopped coarsely
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of half a lemon
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Aromatic Spices:  (1/4 teaspoon each) of: ginger powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and turmeric
chopped cilantro
chives
Suggestion: you may add chopped celery stalks and some carrots

Heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the onions and garlic until soft. Add the aromatics and stir for a few seconds. Sprinkle some salt and black pepper to taste, add the dried cherries, raisins, toasted almonds, lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring for a minute or so.Then combine the cooked quinoa to the pan and mix thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Let set for while. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro and chives. My quinoa pilaf was served with chicken tenders and mixed vegetables.

It's delicious and healthy!!!