Charred Corn And Quinoa Recipes

QUINOA AND CHARD CAKES

Steps:

• Fill a bowl with ice water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously and add the chard leaves. Blanch for two to three minutes until tender, then transfer to the ice water. Drain, squeeze out excess water and chop medium-fine. Add the chard stems to the water, and cook four to five minutes until tender. Transfer to the ice water, then drain and cut in 1/4-inch dice. Measure out 3/4 cup of the stems, and reserve the rest for another purpose. Alternatively, steam the chard leaves, then the stems, above an inch of boiling water until tender. The leaves will take three to four minutes, the stems five minutes.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a medium or large skillet. Add the garlic. When it is fragrant, in 30 seconds to a minute, stir in the chard leaves and stems and the cumin. Stir together for about a minute, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl, and add the quinoa, Parmesan and egg. Stir together.
• Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the canola oil together over medium-high heat in a large, heavy skillet. Moisten your hands, and shape the quinoa and chard mixture into four hamburger-size patties (or make smaller, fritter-ish patties). Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, taking care not to crowd them in the pan. Press down on the tops of the patties with the bottom of your spatula to prevent them from falling apart; if they are thick enough, they should stay together. Cook for four to five minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove from the heat and serve.

QUINOA WITH CHARD AND CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Chop chard and set aside. I like to cut it into crosswise strips, then cut the strips into 2 inch pieces.
• Chop garlic, onion and mushrooms, then add chickpeas and set aside.
• Combine quinoa and broth in medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minute.
• Coat large covered non-stick frying pan or Dutch oven (at least 5 quarts) with oil. Add chickpeas, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Saute until soft, adding small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking.
• Mix in cumin and seasoning mix.
• Add as much chard as will fit. Cover and allow greens to wilt down briefly, mixing so chard wilts evenly. Add water as needed to prevent burning. Continue to add the chard until all of it is in the pan and cook until chard is tender, mixing well.
• Mix in the cooked quinoa and cook another 2 or 3 minutes more and serve.