Quinoa Tabbouleh by Aarti Sequeira

An easy super fresh tasting side dish. I cut back on the parsley (1C), because I didn't have quite enough, so feel free to use as little or as much as you like but don't forget the mint. It is a must

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup quinoa, rinsed (red or white)
• 1⁄2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup  extra-virgin olive oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, I used less about 1/4 t
• 3  bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1  pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1  English cucumber, diced
• 2  roasted red peppers, slices finely chopped

Directions

1. *Aarti's Note: I chop the parsley and the mint by hand. You can use a food processor if you like, but I find it doesn't chop the leaves as uniformly, and has a tendency to turn them into a wet puree rather than tiny, crunchy little bites.
2. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, in a small cast-iron skillet (if possible), toast the quinoa over moderately-high heat until the grains give off a nutty aroma and start to pop. I use Recipe #16399.
3. After toasting, pour the quinoa into the boiling water, taking care that the pot doesn't boil over! Turn it down to a simmer, cover, and cook until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove it from the heat and allow to cool.
4. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, 1/2 rounded teaspoon of salt, pepper and nutmeg.
5. Combine the parsley, mint, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppadews and the cooled cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Taste for seasoning, and let sit for about 5 minutes before you serve. (This tastes even better the next day!).
6. Another way to serve it is with the tabbouleh in the center of a platter encircled with endive or romaine leaves to scoop it up.