Serves 2 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 15-20 mins
Side Dish / Gluten Free / Iron Packed / Digestion Helper
This is a recipe that manifested out of me suddenly realising I had forgotten an essential ingredient whilst at the shop for the original side dish I had planned! My forgetfulness and inability to stick to a list has often landed me in prime opportunities for a creative quickie in the kitchen. The crunchy quinoa and pistachios are tossed with silky earthy beetroot and fresh parsley. The natural flavours of this dish are essentially earthy & mellow, so this would be best suited with the main part of the meal having a sharp distinctive flavour. Why not try it with Lemon & Garlic Roasted Halloumi.
BLACK QUINOA – Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein, especially for those that avoid eating meats. Quinoa is classed as a complete protein, meaning that it contains all 10 essential amino acids which you can normally only find within animal product. As well as providing a good supply of dietary fibre, (1 cup of) black quinoa will also supply 20% of your daily intake of folate (a B-vitamin essential for skin, liver, eyes, and hair), and 15% of Iron (red blood cells need this to carry oxygen around in the body). (SOURCE: http://www.livestrong.com/article/497045-benefits-of-black-quinoa/ )
BEETROOT- Beetroot are high in potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, B6, C, folic acid and anti-oxidants. (SOURCE http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/beetroot-benefits ) The nitrates in beetroot help lower blood pressure and may help heart disease. (SOURCE http://www.undergroundhealth.com/12-healthiest-foods-on-earth/ )
PISTACHIOS – Rich in mono-unsaturated fats like oleic acid make the pistachio nut a good source of anti-oxidants. Pistachio nuts also contain carotenes, vitamin E, polyphenolic anti-oxidant compounds which help remove free-radicals from the body. They are also rich in the essentials for boosting our immune system; copper, manganese, iron, zinc and selenium. (SOURCE: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pistachio.html )
Pistachios also contain potassium which will work alongside the fibre in the quinoa to aid healthy digestion.
PARSLEY – The vitamin C content is higher than oranges (53% of your recommended daily intake in 30g of fresh parsley). Within the same 30g you will get 553% of your daily intake for vitamin K (healthy bones). It’s packed full of antioxidants, vitamin A, folate, iron. and can help neutralize carcinogens. It’s also great at neutralizing garlic breath! (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=100 )
Containing a high amount of enzymes, parsley benefits healthy digestive activity .
Ingredients.
150g black quinoa
150g beetroot, cooked in natural juices, cubed
30g pistachios, bashed
Bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
Olive oil
Pinch of pepper
Method.
- Cook the quinoa according to packet instructions in simmering water (15-20 mins).
- Drain the quinoa and rinse under the cold tap in a sieve.
- Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Serve.
