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Quinoa Orange, Cherry, Mint and Cashew Recipe - Vegetarian and Vegan

I'm in Love! This is for all the quinoa lovers out there. This has to be my favorite sweet quinoa dish of all times.  It can be eaten cold as a salad, main dish, or as a warm side dish. Perfect for the summer time, but I will definitely be eating this all year around.  This healthy recipe was inspired by a homemade quinoa salad I purchased at a local farmers market.  The flavors mixed together so beautifully that I had to hold back in finishing the whole thing.  It's completely vegetarian and vegan with little to no salt at all.  It makes up a complete protein, while also providing healthy fats, and a superb amount of antioxidants from the dark cherries.  Even my 15 month old loved it!



Here is the recipe I came up with.  It's always nice when you can use some of the foods right from your own yard. I used a fresh orange off my tree and lots of fresh mint.  Yummy!

1 cup of Quinoa  (inca red or regular)
3/4 fresh squeezed orange juice
1.5 cups of Water ( I used my alkaline water )
2 Tbs of chopped Orange zest
1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup of raw organic cashews (cut in pieces)*
1/4 cup of unsweetened dried cherries (cut in pieces, they will plump up at the end)

In a pot bring quinoa, fresh orange juice, and water to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer, and cover for 15-20 minutes.  Stir and fluff occasionally.  Half way through add lightly chopped unsweetened dried cherries and stir well then cover again.  The cherries will plump out nicely.  The quinoa is finished when the liquid is all absorbed.  Add cashews* while quinoa is still hot and stir well.

Once quinoa cools add the fresh mint and orange zest. Stir very well.  Place in refrigerator or start eating right away!

* Cashews can be lightly toasted. Just place on tin foil in the toaster oven. Spray with Olive Oil and toast lightly.


 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I encourage comments and feedback.

Comments

linds. said…
definitely gonna try this one... i'm not a very good cook tho, so cross your fingers!! seems simple enough even for me tho ;-)
Lauren Brooks said…
Lindsey, I have full faith in you that you can do this. If I can do it you can. ;-) Let me know how it goes.
g. said…
Lauren, are you now following an all vegan diet or just incorporating more vegan dishes into your diet?
Lauren Brooks said…
g.

I'm not a vegetarian. I do enjoy having many vegan and vegetarian dishes. I just like to have lots of options without having to rely fully on animal sources for my protein. It's all about the happy balance.
Jammison said…
Thanks Lauren, I am going to try it right now! I just made some delicious 3 pepper hummus.....so delicious! Cooking spree continues :) xoxo
Sonnenschein said…
Lauren, this is a great recipe and I love all the recipes you are posting here! Do you have a recommendation concerning a book on nutrition that you think is helpful (I have read so much controverse stuff on it, I am confused...!).
Thank you very much!

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