Makes about 8 cups, serves 4-6.
Ingredients
2 cups quinoa
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 onion, diced
1 tablespoon sliced garlic
2 cups (1 quart) water
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Directions
Clean quinoa as directed at right.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil and butter. Add the onion and cook until tender but not colored, about 10 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute without coloring.
Add the quinoa and stir to coat in the oil and butter. Add the water, a little more salt and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Cover immediately; turn the heat down to low and cook 18 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit 5 minutes. Immediately turn the quinoa onto a sheet tray and fluff with two forks. Adjust seasoning.
Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
1 recipe cooked quinoa, above
2 cups cooked diced shiitakes (about 1 pounds)
3/4 cup scallions, cut on bias
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame chili oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients.
