Food

summary

<p>This dish results in a complex mix of flavors that I enjoy. The dish is quick to make, as Quinoa and Bulgar require little time to boil. For additional time savings, cook the grains in advance, then throw together the sauce.</p> <h3>Pilaf</h3> <p>The shallots and garlic, while good, can be skipped if you are short on time.</p> <ul> <li>Small amount grapeseed or other cooking oil.</li> <li>Shallots (or onion, to taste), diced.</li> <li>Garlic, diced. These could be cut large, and added first to the oil, where they will brown nicely, but still pack a good kick of raw garlic.</li> <li>Equal amounts whole grain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgur">Bulgar</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000EDG3UE/sialorg-20/ref=nosim">Quinoa</a>. I use ⅓ cup of each to feed myself.</li> <li>Double the amount of grains in water. 1⅓ cups, in my case.</li> <li>Chopped vegetables: carrots and celery work well, or I stock frozen vegetables (corn, green peas) to dump in when I’m in a hurry.</li> </ul> <p>The making:</p> <ol> <li>If possible, submerge the grains in water for a minute or two, then pour off any debris, then briefly rinse. Quinoa that has not been pre-rinsed will need longer soaking to remove the saponins.</li> <li>Preheat <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000EWQ2A6/sialorg-20/ref=nosim">the pot</a>, add oil, and sauté the shallots and garlic to taste.</li> <li>Dump grains into pot, let sauté briefly (the grains really should be dry, but that would entail rinsing them earlier, then drying them somehow).</li> <li>Add water, bring to boil.</li> <li>Cover loosely, reduce heat to low, and let the water cook off. This takes around 10 minutes for me.</li> <li>Drop heat to warm, mix in the vegetables, and let that cook for another few minutes.</li> </ol> <h3>Sauce</h3> <p>There might be better sauces, but I currently like this one. Sugar addicted folks may need to add some brown sugar, or experiment with <a href="http://buddhanerd.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/buddhism-and-weight-loss-part-2/">cutting raw sugar from the diet</a> (always fun, given that in America the everyday ketchup, croutons, mustard, and so forth products all contain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_addiction">high fructose corn syrup</a>). Mix together:</p> <ul> <li>1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar</li> <li>1 tablespoon mustard (whole grain does not mix as well).</li> <li>Salt & pepper to taste (not much needed, if any).</li> <li>1 teaspoon fresh ground <a href="http://worldspice.com/spices/0074carawayseed.shtml">caraway seed</a>.</li> <li>Small amount <a href="http://worldspice.com/spices/0177turmeric.shtml">turmeric</a>. Optional. Mainly for the color and possible health benefits.</li> </ul> <p>Mix the sauce and grains well in a dish, serve warm.</p> <br /> 2008-02-05T22:59:45-0800 264