Eating Quinoa Salad On Top Of The World

Quinoa is an indigenous product of Bolivia; high in protein and fiber yet low in carbohydrates and fat, it is an ideal health food. Bolivia's Quinoa is exported out of the country, much of it finds it way to dinner tables in the US. As I have yet to sample the local tofu; apparently there is a Japanese woman that makes fresh tofu (the soft variety) in a small shop close to ACS but I just haven't gotten around to finding her place, I have been experimenting with Quinoa to inject a vegetarian component to our diet.

Given the extreme high altitude that we are living at, about 10,700 according to our GPS, digesting protein is difficult; we try to eat a light dinner earlier than usual, usually by 6:00. We might have some fruit before bed if we find we're hungry but both Greg and I have lost weight since our move seven weeks ago; Greg about 25 lbs. and about five or seven for me.

The following recipe is my latest invention; we were suppose to have a guest from out-of-town for lunch but the road was blocked by protesters and he couldn't get through. Greg made the decision to have school closed today, Friday, so it's a three-day weekend for us. I won't complain!

Quinoa Salad with Orange-Lime Dressing

3/4-cup quinoa

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 portion vegetarian bullion

Sprinkle dried oregano

Toast quinoa in a dry pan on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from pan, adding water and bullion and oregano. Bring liquid to a boil then add quinoa. Cook until all water is absorbed stirring occasionally, lid off. Fluff with a fork, put lid on and allow time to cool, about 15 minutes.

4 cloves garlic

1/2 white onion

1/2 tomato

Small handful fresh basil

1-2 T olive oil

2 T spoons dressing * see below

Dice garlic, onions and tomatoes, add quinoa and toss. Add olive oil, dressing and basil; toss well.

Orange-lime dressing:

1 part olive oil

2 parts white wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar

1 small lime or 1/2 lemon

2 T freshly squeezed orange or mandarin juice

Liberal splash water

Small squirt prepared mustard