Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad

I think I’m probably the last food blogger to try quinoa. Seriously, I don’t know what was holding me back for so long, but once I tried it I never looked back.

You want to know another food that I’ve never tried until now? Pomegranate. Lame? Yes. But hey, I’m putting myself out there and trying these new foods. Better late than never. I saw this recipe pop up on Katie’s blog soon after watching the Good Eats episode about pomegranates. Alton Brown said that pomegranates or their seeds will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 months! So you could grab some at the store now while they’re in season and still be enjoying them in the spring.

Hubby and I thouroughly enjoyed this quinoa salad. The pomegranate seeds provide not only sweetness but also a fun little burst of juice and a crunch as you bite into them. I made two batches of this colorful side dish in one weekend we enjoyed it so much!

What new foods have you been wanting to try?

One Year Ago: Gingerbread Apple Upside Down Cake and Gooey Bars
Two Years Ago: Inauguration Day Cupcakes
Three Years Ago: Clam Chowder

Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Yield: 4

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken stock
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Juice of 1/2 an orange
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbs slivered almonds

Directions:

Start by bringing the chicken stock to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover and reduce head to low. Let the quinoa simmer until the liquid has evaporated.

Once the quinoa is done, set it aside and let it cool slightly.

Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add the orange juice and cranberries. Toss to combine, salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix in the pomegranate seeds and top with almonds. Serve either warm, room temperature or cold.

Recipe from The Small Boston Kitchen

Side Dish

13 comments »

11 Responses to “Indian Spiced Chickpeas with Spinach”

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USA Kiwi (Kylee) — February 20, 2013 at 9:34 am

I love a good indian spiced dish – this looks great, and would be perfect to eat at lunchtime!
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2

Shannon — February 20, 2013 at 10:33 am
this sounds great- so quick and full of flavor, perfect for weekday lunches! hope things are going well in cinci!
- beantownbaker — February 24th, 2013 @ 10:25 am
  
  Thanks – things are starting to get settled here. We are closing on a house in a few weeks, so we’ll be moving again soon. Hope all is going well for you back in Boston!
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Nutmeg Nanny — February 21, 2013 at 9:37 am
I hope you are finding Ohio welcoming…even though it’s cold! These chickpeas seem like the perfect dish to help you feel warm and cozy.
- beantownbaker — February 24th, 2013 @ 10:26 am
  
  Thanks! We are finding Ohio welcoming. Everyone here is so nice (even if they can’t merge in to traffic to save their life…)
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Erica @ In and Around Town — February 21, 2013 at 9:50 am

Chick peas and spinach – always make for a delicious and hearty meal! Definitely a good choice.
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gerry — February 21, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Is there a substitute for garam masala?
- beantownbaker — February 24th, 2013 @ 10:28 am
  
  Garam Masala has a unique flavor, but it is made from a combination of other spices so I’m sure you could find a substitute on the internet somewhere…
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Julia — March 9, 2013 at 2:42 am
This is the perfect go-to recipe for a busy lifestyle…healthful, tasty and so easy to throw together! I hope things settle down for you and your hubs and your place begins feeling more warm and cozy! Meanwhile, you have a delicious satisfying recipe to comfort you!
- beantownbaker — March 9th, 2013 @ 3:01 pm
  
  So true!
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Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen — March 10, 2013 at 11:28 am

Oh yum, this looks so warming and delicious!