Tex-mex quinoa pilaf with potatoes and corn

2 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
1½ cup Water
1 tablespoon Instant vegetable stock powder
1 cup Quinoa
Thoroughly rinsed and drained
¾ pounds Thin-skinned potatoes
Scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch dice; (about 3 cups)
1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
½ teaspoon Salt; or more to taste
1 cup Frozen corn; defrosted
½ cup Diced roasted red pepper
¼ cup Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
OR scallion greens

Directions

Makes 2 to 3 servings. Prep: under 15 minutes. Cooking: 12 to 15 minutes.

I'm convinced that quinoa will become the rice of the nineties, as more and more people discover this light, quick-cooking, nutritious grain.

It's only natural that quinoa, potatoes, and corn go so well together: they are all indigenous to Latin America. However, here the success of this delicious combination depends upon cutting the potatoes properly-if they are larger than half-inch cubes, they will not be tender when the quinoa is done.

Accompany the pilaf with a salad or steamed green vegetable for a terrific meal.

In a medium heavy saucepan, bring the water and stock powder to a boil over high heat. Stir in the quinoa, potatoes, cumin, and salt, cover, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

Add the corn and continue cooking until the quinoa and potatoes are tender and all the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. If all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is not yet tender, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of boiling water, cover, and continue simmering until done. (Alternatively, if the quinoa and potatoes are tender and there is still liquid left in the pot, drain it off)

Season with additional salt if needed, and stir in the red pepper and cilantro.

Tex-Mex Quinoa Soup: Stir leftovers into a pot of vegetable stock (allow 1 heaping teaspoon instant stock powder per cup of boiling water). Liven up with a squeeze of lime.

Per serving: 390 Calories (kcal); 6g Total Fat; (12% calories from fat); 14g Protein; 76g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 559mg Sodium Food Exchanges: 5 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates

Recipe by: Lorna Sass' Short-Cut Vegetarian, page 111 Converted by MM_Buster v2.0n.

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