Moroccan Hemp Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 35 mins
Serves 6
Enjoy this tasty salad alone or pair with grilled halloumi or fish. It’s perfect to take along to summer BBQs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
ingredients
1 cup Alison’s Pantry quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable stock
1 medium onion – diced
3 garlic cloves – finely diced
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ cup Alison’s Pantry hemp seeds
1 x 400g can chickpeas – drained and rinsed well
Zest of 1 lemon
2 medium carrots – peeled and cut using a julienne peeler (can also grate)
Juice of 2 lemons
6 Alison’s Pantry select dates – diced
1/3 cup Alison’s Pantry shelled pistachio nuts – roughly chopped
Large handful fresh parsley – roughly chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Olive oil for sautéing
To serve: sliced avocado, additional hemp seeds, fresh herbs to garnish
method
Place the quinoa and water (or vegetable stock) in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, with a lid ajar for 12-15 minutes until tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat. Place the lid on tightly and leave to sit for 5 minutes. Remove lid and set aside until ready to use.
Heat a very generous glug of oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook gently, without browning, for 5-10 minutes until tender. Add the fennel seeds, cumin, garam masala and smoked paprika. Cook for a further minute, adding additional oil if needed. Add the chickpeas and lemon. Cook for 4 minutes. Add the quinoa and the hemp seeds. Season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5-10 minutes before adding the carrot, lemon juice, dates, pistachios, parsley and thyme.
Top with the avocado (if using) just prior to serving. Garnish with extra hemp seeds and fresh herbs.
