Quinoa Lime Biryani

WhatExit's Note:

From Womens Health magazine. Reading through my magazine came across a number of summer salad recipes and they all looked great. I was inspired to make this and the Black Bean Mozarella salad tonight. Doubled the recipes to last for the week. Posted them here so I don't lose them.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 limes
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons curry
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 ounce) package shredded carrots
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 1/2 cups sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup currants or 1/4 cup raisins
• 3/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Zest lime to produce 1 1/2 tsp zest and then juice both limes.
2. In a saucepan combine 3 tablespoons lime juice, quinoa, water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, curry and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 - 20 min until quinoa turns transparent and liquid is absorbed. Cool and place in large bowl.
3. Add carrots, chickpeas, scallions, almonds and raisins. Toss.
4. In a small bowl combine 3 Tablespoons lime juice, zest, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/8 teaspoon pepper. Whisk until blended and pour over quinoa. Toss.

Reviews

[lrn2trvl]

My friends and I all enjoyed this! I used dry chickpeas that I soaked overnight and then boiled for about an hour, until tender. I was weary about the raisins, as I usually don't like them in savory foods, but they were a nice touch. It didn't have a very strong curry flavor (one of my friends doesn't like curry, so that was good for her). I think next time I'll add more. (Though, I am in Ireland, so perhaps the curry powder here is not very strong....)