Red Quinoa Pilaf with Caribbean Flavors

A tasty quinoa dish with the zing of lime and a depth of tropical and not-so-tropical flavors. Goes great with jerk-style grilled meats!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 178 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 cups water
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 6 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 cup red quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1 serrano chile pepper, minced
• 1 unripe mango, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh shaved coconut

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the quinoa into a saucepan over medium-high heat, and toast the quinoa in the dry pan, shaking the pan frequently, until the quinoa is dry and giving off a roasted fragrance, 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in water and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer the quinoa for about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the edamame, mango, bell pepper, and serrano chile, cover, and simmer the mixture until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the green onions, almonds, cranberries, coconut, cilantro, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, and serve hot.