Foodie Friday

One of my girlfriend's shared this recipe with me last week and I'm on my second batch already.  It is so good.

Cumin Lime Black Bean Quinoa Salad

I made some revisions because when I first made it I didn't have carrots or green onions in the house.  I used red and yellow bell peppers, diced, and lots of black pepper and a few red pepper flakes.  For the dressing I omitted the garlic and cumin because I just wasn't feeling it that day and used agave syrup.  When the MR cooks he puts cumin and garlic in everything and I just wanted a break.  I did add grilled chicken and a bit more lime juice.  Perfect meal!

For the salad

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (or 3 cups cooked)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (or 1.5 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
• 1.5 cups cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 small/medium carrots, julienned (about 1.5 cups)
• 4 green onions, chopped
• fine grain sea salt & black pepper, to taste

For the dressing

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Instructions

• 1. To prepare the quinoa: Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. Add into pot along with 1.5 cups water or veggie broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low-medium, and then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 15-17 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and steam with the lid on for 5 additional minutes. Fluff with fork and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
• 2. In a large bowl, toss the quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans, cilantro, carrots, and green onions.
• 3. Whisk together the dressing in a small bowl or jar. Pour onto salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I prefer to enjoy this salad chilled, so I usually throw it into the fridge for at least an hour. This is a great make-ahead salad too – prep it the night before and let it sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

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What's in your garden?

My hydrangeas are doing great this year, they have loved all the rain this summer.  Aren't the colors pretty?  These all came off of the same bush!

♥

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