Different types of herbs and meats can be served with this side dish. Onions add a great taste, also. The quinoa is gluten-free and can be made ahead of time.
Quinoa հայկական կանաչ լոբի եւ լոլիկ (Armenian)
/quinoa haykakan kanach’ lobi yev lolik/
Serve 6
3 Tbs. (45 ml) olive oil
2 Tbs. (30 ml) white wine vinegar
pinch or two of black pepper
1 pound (240 g) organic green beans
1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced thinly
4 medium organic tomatoes
1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped parsley leaves or 2 Tbs. (30 ml) dried parsley
1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped parsley leaves or 2 Tbs. (30 ml) dried parsley
1/2 cup (120 g) Basic Boiled Quinoa*
2 Tbs. (30 ml) fresh dill or 2 tsp. (10 ml) dried dill
1/4 cup (60 ml) Toasted Chia Seeds*
Optional herbs for green beans and tomatoes: chives, thyme, basil, and/or tarragon
*A. 2 cups (470 ml) of Basic Boiled Quinoa (Save the rest for other dishes.)
Optional herbs for green beans and tomatoes: chives, thyme, basil, and/or tarragon
*A. 2 cups (470 ml) of Basic Boiled Quinoa (Save the rest for other dishes.)
to make:
just a little less than a cup (210 ml) of water
1 cup (249 ml) quinoa (thoroughly rinsed)
1 cup (249 ml) quinoa (thoroughly rinsed)
1. Bring to a boil, add quinoa.
2. Return to boil, and cook over medium heat for 12 minutes or until quinoa has absorbed all the water.
(a) If you are using black or red quinoa, it requires 5-10 minutes longer.
3. Remove from the heat, fluff, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. If it taste bitter, rinse with cold water until bitterness is gone. Drain, return to the saucepan, cover and steam until dry, about 5 minutes.
*B. 1 cup (240 g) Toasted Chia Seeds (Save the rest of other dishes.)
to make:
1 cup (240 g) dry chia seeds
1. Place the seeds in a skillet and toast over low heat, shaking the pan often.
2. When they are a light color, remove and place on a plate to cool.
3. Seeds can also be grind in a coffee grinder or blender if desired.
4. They will last for weeks in a cool, dry place, months in the refrigerator.
C. Back to the Armenian dish...
1. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil.
2. In a small bowl, beat the oil, vinegar, and black pepper with a fork. Set aside.
3. Wash the green beans, snap off the ends, pull down the strings.
4. Cut into 1 inch (2,5 cm) pieces and place into the boiling water.
5. Add the onion slices, cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes.
6. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
7. Dry, put in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
8. Cut the tomatoes in half (optional squeeze out the liquid). Cut into bite-size pieces and put in a bowl.
9. Cover and refrigerate.
D. When you want to make the dish:
1. Place green beans, tomatoes, and basic boiled quinoa in a mixing bowl.
2. Add parsley and dill or other herbs.
3. Toss with oil and vinegar dressing.
4. Sprinkle with toasted chia seeds.
-modified Cooking with Ancient Grains
*B. 1 cup (240 g) Toasted Chia Seeds (Save the rest of other dishes.)
to make:
1 cup (240 g) dry chia seeds
1. Place the seeds in a skillet and toast over low heat, shaking the pan often.
2. When they are a light color, remove and place on a plate to cool.
3. Seeds can also be grind in a coffee grinder or blender if desired.
4. They will last for weeks in a cool, dry place, months in the refrigerator.
C. Back to the Armenian dish...
1. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil.
2. In a small bowl, beat the oil, vinegar, and black pepper with a fork. Set aside.
3. Wash the green beans, snap off the ends, pull down the strings.
4. Cut into 1 inch (2,5 cm) pieces and place into the boiling water.
5. Add the onion slices, cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes.
6. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
7. Dry, put in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
8. Cut the tomatoes in half (optional squeeze out the liquid). Cut into bite-size pieces and put in a bowl.
9. Cover and refrigerate.
D. When you want to make the dish:
1. Place green beans, tomatoes, and basic boiled quinoa in a mixing bowl.
2. Add parsley and dill or other herbs.
3. Toss with oil and vinegar dressing.
4. Sprinkle with toasted chia seeds.
-modified Cooking with Ancient Grains
