Quinoa with Edamame, Ginger, and Lime

MAKES 6 SERVINGS • PREP TIME: 15 minutes • COOK TIME: 2o minutes

I always think it’s wise to carry a small patch and repair kit when you’re out bike riding. It comes in very handy if your bike gets a flat tire. Quinoa (say it with me: KEEN-wah) is the food equivalent, an amazing little grain that rebuilds the body when it needs repair, like after a workout. It can do that because it contains all of the essential amino acids (those we must get from dietary sources), allowing the body to build protein. It’s also full of magnesium, which is great for relaxing muscles and preventing cramps. From a culinary standpoint, it’s wonderful because it doesn’t get mushy when combined with other foods; instead, you get a nutty fluff-fest. Here I’ve paired it with edamame in a salad seasoned with ginger, lemon, and lime. By the way, this dish benefits from being made ahead of time because the flavor deepens as it sits.  

2 1/2 cups Magic Mineral Broth, or water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 cups red or white quinoa, rinsed well in cold water and drained
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Pinch of cayenne
1 cup fresh or frozen edamame, mixed with a spritz of lime juice and a pinch of salt
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
2 scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, basil, or parsley
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated lime zest

Put the broth and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Decrease the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Add the ginger, cayenne, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and fluff with a fork until well combined. Transfer the quinoa to a bowl and let cool to room temperature Add the edamame, red bell pepper, scallions, mint, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, and lime zest and stir until well combined. Do a FASS check; you may need to add a pinch or two of salt, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or a dash of olive oil.

COOK'S NOTE: Color is key when it comes to quinoa. When cooked, white quinoa has the subtlest flavor. Red has an earthy flavor and is a bit chewier and nuttier. Black quinoa is the most striking in appearance and is perfect for salads because it retains its shape and crunchy texture best.

Reprinted with permission from The Longevity Kitchen: Satisfying Big-Flavor Recipes Featuring the Top 16 Age-Busting Power Foods Copyright © 2013 by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson, Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA.