What's Cookin...by Chris T.

Here's another favorite recipe from one of my students, Chris T. She borrowed it from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook which you can get at: http://www.wholelifenutrition.net/

It involves one of my favorite grains, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). Quinoa is has a slightly nutty taste, is hearty and has a wonderful chewy-crunchy quality. I love it!

Quinoa Black Bean Salad

This dish is packed with protein, fiber and color. A feast for all the senses.
Serves 4 to 6 people

2 Cups quinoa
3.5 Cups water
Pinch sea salt

1 cup chopped cilantro
5 sliced green onions
1 small seeded jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 small red pepper, small dice
2 cups cooked black beans

Dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 ½ teaspoon sea salt

Rinse quinoa under warm running water in a fine mesh strainer. Place the rinsed quinoa with water and pinch of sea salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
Remove cooked quinoa from pot, place in a large bowl, let cool.
Mix together “Dressing” ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk. Pour over quinoa and toss with a fork.
Add cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, red pepper and black beans and toss again. Enjoy! (note: I don’t like red pepper so I tried it with 1 can drained, rinsed corn).


This is another wonderful side dish for parties and potlucks. People will clamour for the recipe, and tips on how to spell, and pronounce quinoa. Happy Eating!