#19 Bolivia

I did a ton of research to make sure this was authentic! Well, to tell you the truth, I do a ton of reading and research to make sure ALL of the recipes are authentic. But, this one was really quite new to me- the techniques AND the mango. I did not even know what a mango looked like on the outside. I had to ask a produce person at Wegmans. This recipe is derived from a www.sustainabletable.org recipe entitled "Bolivian Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Summer Salsa Cruda."


Quinoa, Black Bean, and Mango Salsa Salad

Ingredients:

3/4 cup quinoa (white, red, or black)
1 teaspoon oil
1/2 teaspoon each: cumin, coriander, chili powder
1.5 cups water

2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 can black beans, rinsed

3 roma tomatoes, deseeded and minced
onion, 1/4 cup minced
1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
juice from 1/4 of a lime
1 mango, diced
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Rinse the quinoa very well. Google this if you have questions. (Among other things, rinsing quinoa takes away a slightly bitter taste, and reduces the natural pesticide coating of the quinoa. This sounds bad. It's not bad. You can eat it un-rinsed! But, if you have time and a metal strainer, consider rinsing it.)

Place the quinoa in a large pot over medium heat. Stir for a few minutes, toasting it. Then, add the oil and spices. Turn the heat off, and really stir it all together to incorporate. Then, turn the hear back on, and add the water. Reduce heat and let cook for 20 minutes, until fluffy. Then, add the vinegar and beans. Stir and set aside.

To make the salsa, add all the minced and diced ingredients to a bowl, and sprinkle with a tiny bit of salt. Stir to incorporate.

The original recipe calls for the salsa and quinoa/bean mixture to be totally combined and mixed together. I enjoyed it that way, but, it can definitely be served with the salsa on the side as well. Hot or cold.

This was rather spicy for Keller. He probably would have eaten way more if it did not have the jalapeño or cilantro.

Salud!