Quinoa is another super food that is really in vogue again
and for good reason; it’s a once forgotten grain that is a perfect substitute
for so many foods with less or little nutritional value. It is extremely high
in protein, fibre, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium. The cultivation of
quinoa dates back 3000 years ago, serving as a staple during pre-Colombian
Andean civilization. The grain fetches 10 times the dollar amount of wheat, as
a minimum and so has been labelled a ‘luxury vegetable’ by some trade
economists.
Quinoa can be very particular about its requirement’s for
growth and where it does, it serves as food to the local population. With
prices inflating, locals in subsistence farming areas are unable to touch their
own produce, causing debate about whether or not quinoa is really worth its
weight in gold. Instead of using this nutritious super food to feed the first
world at a huge price, it could be better used to feed third world nations. What
we can do to ensure our global neighbors do not go hungry is to only buy quinoa
that has been Fair Trade approved. So that’s what I did, I made a beautiful
quinoa salad combining my beloved haloumi cheese and a lemon/olive oil
dressing.
Ingredients
Serves two
½ cup quinoa
1 cup spinach
50g haloumi cheese
¼ small cucumber
¼ small red onion
½ cup of walnuts and pine nuts
½ lemon
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook your quinoa as directed on
packaging. Usually this is one part quinoa to three parts water. Thinly slice
your cucumber and red onion and set aside. Slice haloumi as desired and pan fry
on both sides for three minutes total on high heat. Combine olive oil with
juiced lemon and salt and pepper to taste.
As the quinoa is finished, set aside to
allow for cooling. In a high heat pan, toast the mixed nuts to release the warm
woodiness. Combine and toss all ingredients in a bowl and cover with dressing. The
salad can be served warm or cold, depending on the occasion and what you like.
