Two revered ancient grains in one simple, tasty dish.

　　

Ingredients

4 to 6 servings

　　1 cup quinoa, rinsed in a fine sieve

　　1 1/2 tablespoons light olive oil

　　1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced

　　2 cups cooked fresh corn kernels (from 3 medium ears) or one 8-ounce package thawed frozen corn kernels

　　1 teaspoon cumin

　　Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

　　

Step 1

Bring 2 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, cover, and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until golden. Stir in the corn kernels and continue to sauté until the onion begins to brown lightly.

　　

Step 3

Stir the cooked quinoa into the corn mixture along with the cumin, and season with salt and pepper. If a little more moisture is needed, stir in a small amount of water, and serve.

　　

quinoa

Step 4

Quinoa is a rediscovered food of ancient South American origin. Once the staple nourishment of the Inca culture, it’s technically not a grain but the seed of an herb-like plant. Now grown in the American Rockies (replicating the harsh terrain of the Andes, where it once thrived), quinoa is still considered a specialty grain, thus, it is somewhat expensive. Nutritionally, though, you get a lot for your money—quinoa is considered a “super food” for its superb nutritional profile, which includes high-quality protein. Quinoa cooks to a fluffy texture in about 15 minutes and has a mild yet distinct flavor.

　　

basic cooked quinoa

Step 5

Use 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. For variety, you may want to cook it in stock instead of water, or add a bouillon cube to the water. Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve (very important, since raw quinoa has the residue of a natural, bitter substance called saponins). Bring water to a rapid simmer, then stir in the quinoa. Simmer gently, covered, until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. To use as a plain side dish or as a bed of grain, stir in just a touch of nonhydrogenated margarine and salt into the hot grain.

　　

nutrition information

Step 6

Calories: 221

　　

Step 7

Total Fat: 6g

　　

Step 8

Protein: 7g

　　

Step 9

Carbohydrate: 36g

　　

Step 10

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 11

Sodium: 7mg

　　The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet