Fresh Approach Cooking

.
Oy.

I super-duper hope the current writers strike gets settled soon!*

The economic ramifications get me all anxious. First they walk out, then shows shut down, then...sooner or later, we all feel the crunch.

I just have to clear my mind I suppose. No sense in fretting over something that I have no power over, right? Right.

Still. I'm a just a tad frazzled and it's only been a few days. I cannot even begin to fathom this debacle going on for (the predicted) months.

So, thinking about what can a girl do to settle a whizzing brain and a dizzy stomach, I figured a salad heavy on the mint was just what I needed. Somehow the idea of all that gentle goodness filling my tum seemed like the call.

The result was really light and refreshing. Personally, I think mint, parsley and basil all work perfectly well as salad greens and should be used accordingly...such as in this dish. Enjoy!

2 cups salted, boiling water
1 cup quinoa
1 small bunch radishes, cut into quarters (top to bottom)
1/2 cup kalamata olives, cut into quarters (top to bottom)
2 cups whole mint leaves, divided
1 cup parsley, rough chopped
Juice and zest of one small lemon
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Olive oil as needed
Salt to taste

So when working with quinoa, it's always a really good idea to rinse it a few times in cold water. Supposedly this takes away any bitterness. I have never skipped this step, trusting it is really needed. That part is your call.

Add the quinoa to the boiling water and reduce the flame to medium. Allow to simmer, uncovered for about 15 mintues, or until the quinoa opens and you can see the white rings (it will be obvious, even if my description isn't.) Remove from the heat and drain.

While it is simmering away, rough chop 1/4 of the mint and finely mince 1/4 of it. Leave the rest of the leaves (1/2 cup) whole.

Rough chop the parsley.

Toss the rest of the ingredients together and then add a tiny bit of olive oil. (I found if you add more than a tablespoon the whole dish gets insanely heavy...) Taste and adjust as needed.

Serve room temp or cold.

Should serve about 4.

_____________________________________

* The Writers Guild of America is currently on strike. These are the people who write all of the TV shows, films and plays in the US.

I certainly am not the first person to think of this dish...check out this version.

Quinoa is available at Trader Joes. Assuming you have one nearby.

Ten small radishes equal 8 calories

On December 23rd in Oaxaca, Mexico, there is a Radish Festival that involves ornate radish carvings!

Labels: Gluten Free, Salad, Side-Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian