Southwestern Quinoa Chowder Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN CORN CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a medium/large Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the corn, potatoes, onion, poblano, bell pepper, celery, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Stir to combine. Cook until the onions are tender and translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, while stirring constantly. Add the broth and water and stir to combine. Drop in the bay leaf.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It's not done until the potatoes are fully cooked through and very easily pierced through with a fork.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Using kitchen tongs, remove the bay leaf. Carefully transfer about 3 cups of the soup (about half liquid, half solids) to a blender. Securely fasten the lid and be careful to avoid the hot steam as you blend until completely smooth. Add the butter and blend again.
• Pour the mixture back into the pot. Add the cilantro, crème fraîche (see note if using sour cream or Greek yogurt) and lime juice. Stir to combine. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and be generous with the black pepper, to taste. If you'd like more spice, add up to 1/2 teaspoon more chili powder, to taste.
• Divide the chowder into bowls and top with garnishes of your choice. Leftover chowder will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days or for several months frozen.

SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA

Steps:

• Saute 3 sliced scallions and 1 minced jalapeno in olive oil until softened. Stir in 2 teaspoons tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin, ancho chile powder and kosher salt. Add 1 1/4 cups water and 3/4 cup each rinsed quinoa and frozen fire-roasted corn. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in 1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed); season with salt.

SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA CHOWDER

Steps:

• Heat oil in a pot. Saute onion and garlic until onion is translucent.
• Add poblano chili and red pepper, and sauté 2-3 minutes, until softened.
• Add quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
• Stir in corn, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and milk and simmer an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered, until thickened. Stir occasionally.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve warm, garnished as desired with cilantro, tomato, and cheddar cheese.

SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water, and drain. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook and stir the quinoa until the water has evaporated and the quinoa is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the quinoa has absorbed all the broth, about 10 minutes. Cool quinoa in refrigerator at least 10 minutes.
• Mix together green pepper, red onion, corn, black beans, cilantro, tomato, lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, adobo seasoning, and feta cheese in a large salad bowl. Lightly stir in the quinoa, and season with salt, pepper, and additional lime juice to taste, if desired. Chill the salad at least 30 minutes before serving; serve cold.