Middle Eastern Quinoa Apricots Recipes

SPINACH AND QUINOA SALAD WITH DRIED APRICOTS

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the quinoa and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the broth. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for 15 to 18 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed.
• Spread the cooked quinoa out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool. In a small bowl or container, combine the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
• In a large serving bowl, mix together the spinach, apricots, onion and parsley if using and toss with the dressing. Lightly toss in the cooled quinoa. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve.

INSTANT POT CHICKEN WITH QUINOA, PISTACHIOS AND APRICOTS

Steps:

• Sprinkle the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Add the oil, garlic, chile, onion, ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a 6-quart Instant Pot®. Set to saute on high (see Cook's Note), and cook, stirring frequently so the garlic and ginger don't burn, until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the quinoa, chicken broth and half the rosemary and cover with the glass lid. Let boil for 5 minutes.
• Carefully place the rack in the pot and lay the chicken on top in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining rosemary over the top. Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
• After the pressure cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for natural release and wait until the natural release cycle is complete, about 5 minutes. Be careful of any remaining steam and unlock and remove the lid. (See Cook's Note.) Transfer the chicken to a plate and let sit uncovered until ready to serve.
• Set to saute on high and continue to cook the quinoa until all of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove the insert from the pot and stir in the apricots and pistachios. Serve the chicken over the quinoa and top with the mint, scallions, a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

QUINOA SALAD WITH APRICOTS, BASIL AND PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook until the liquid is just absorbed and the quinoa is moist and nearly tender, about 15 minutes.
• Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and immediately stir in the oil, apricots, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside to cool slightly, about 20 minutes, stirring a couple times. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
• When the quinoa is cool and ready to serve, stir in the arugula, basil, lemon juice and pistachios. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the goat cheese and serve.

QUINOA WITH GARLIC, PINE NUTS AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Place the quinoa in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until toasted, about 2 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups water (or use low-sodium chicken broth) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, about 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add the olive oil and garlic to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer the garlic to the plate, reserving the oil.
• Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Add the pine nuts, garlic, reserved oil, parsley, raisins and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and toss.