I have good news and I have better news.
The good news is that the new culinary darling quinoa is classified as a one of the world's true super foods as it contains all 9 essential amino acids and is a rich source of protein. The better news is that because quinoa is a seed of a spinach-like plant rather than a grain, I believe that it has now been classified as Kosher for Pesach for everyone, adding a nutritiously nutty new dimension to Pesach entertaining.
Take this opportunity to explore this wondrous ingredient right now and add new taste and texture to your Seder table.
ROASTED ZUCCHINI & GOATS CHEESE QUINOA SALAD (DAIRY)
2 cups quinoa
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup goats/feta cheese, cubed
1 large zucchini, cut into coins
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 boiled eggs
DRESSING
large avocado, ripe
juice of 1 lime/small lemon
1/4 cup lightly packed cilantro/chives
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1: Pour a splash of olive oil into a pot and stirfry quinoa for a few minutes till toasted.
2: Add 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer for approximately 20 minutes till the seed opens to reveal a pretty little spiral in the centre.
3: Prepare dressing by blending the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, yogurt, water, and salt.
4: Toss zucchini in olive oil and grill on a grill pan or in the oven till tender then cut coins into quarters. 5: Toss quinoa with about 2/3 cups of dressing and top with the grilled zucchini, pine nuts, eggs, cheese and chopped cilantro.
Alternatively if you are serving a meat meal:
QUINOA WALDORF SALAD WITH CITRUS DRESSING (PAREVE)
1 cup water
1 cup apple juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quinoa
2 large red apples, diced
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
zest and juice of 1 orange
1/2 crushed garlic clove
6 tablespoons olive oil
1: Stirfry quinoa in a little olive oil till toasted then add water, apple juice, cinnamon and salt and bring to boil.
2: Simmer till liquid is absorbed then allow to cool.
3: Toss through apples, celery, dried cranberries and citrus dressing and add walnuts just before serving.