Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a vibrant canvas of nutrition and flavor - welcome to the ultimate tri-color quinoa experience! This stunning recipe transforms humble grains into a masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With a beautiful blend of red, white, and black quinoa, toasted walnuts, and sweet cranberries, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red quinoa
- 1/2 cup white quinoa
- 1/2 cup black quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the tri-color quinoa under cold running water. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa. Use a fine-mesh sieve for best results.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it has absorbed all the water and the grains have become fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Serve the tri-color quinoa warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course. Garnish with additional walnuts or cranberries if desired.
Tips
- Rinsing is crucial: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Water ratio matters: Stick to the 2:1 water to quinoa ratio for perfectly fluffy grains.
- Toasting nuts enhances flavor: Take the time to toast your walnuts - it brings out their rich, nutty essence.
- Let quinoa rest: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and become extra fluffy.
- Customize your dish: Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra flavor boost.
- Make ahead friendly: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serve versatility: Enjoy as a side dish, light lunch, or add grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
