Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 Cup quinoa
1 1/2 Cups cold water
1 (15oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 Cup diced celery (about one rib)
1 carrot, diced
1 Cup fresh green beans, steamed (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
3 or 4 scallions, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped or 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
1/2 Cup olives, sliced (optional)
Dressing:
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
healthy pinch cayenne powder or chili powder

1. Soak quinoa for 30 minutes in cold water, rinsing very thoroughly several times in fresh water to get rid of the bitter husks. Discard water after each rinse, and finish by draining through a fine mesh strainer.
2. While the quinoa is soaking, dice the vegetables.
3. After the final rinse, put quinoa in a two-quart saucepan with 1 1/2 cups cold water and a 1/2 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil, turn heat down to low, cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes. When time's up remove from heat and leave covered for five more minutes. Do not lift the lid for a peek!
4. While the quinoa is cooking, saute garlic in 2 Tbsp. olive oil until lightly browned
5. Add diced celery and carrots and saute until softened.
6. Add green pepper and lightly saute, then add cumin and coriander and continue cooking for another five minutes or so.
7. When quinoa has finished resting, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
8. While the quinoa is cooling, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
9. Gently stir the veggie mixture into the quinoa. Add tomatoes, beans and dressing and stir to combine.
10. Finally, stir in cilantro and scallions.





Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user MISS_KITTY.