Indian Spiced Quinoa Salad

Indian Spiced Quinoa Salad

Garam Masala is one of my favorite spice combinations and it goes perfectly with the nuttiness of Quinoa. I recommend purchasing a bottle of Garam Masala because it can transform grains, veggies and meats into a wonderful dish. This salad can be served warm, room temp or cold. This also makes plenty for leftovers.

2 cups Quinoa
4 cups water
2 teaspoons Garam Masala
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3 stalks of celery diced small
1 red pepper diced small
1 cup red onion diced small
1/2 cup slivered toasted almonds (optional)

Rinse the quinoa and drain in a mesh colander. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the quinoa and stir constantly for 10 minutes or until all the moisture evaporates. The quinoa should be fragrant, dry and golden.

Combine 3 cupes of water with the garam masala and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa and return to a boil. Cover and turn heat to low. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not stir.

Heat the sesame oil in a grage skillet over medium heat. Add the celery, red pepper and red onion and the last teaspoon of garam masala. Saute until the vegetables are tender about 3 minutes.

Combine the vegetable mixer with the quinoa. Serve hot, room temp or cold.

Makes 4 cups.