Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is an acclaimed Aztec superfood; that is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain all 9 amino acids. It's nutty flavor marries well with almost anything, and is a great alternative to rice. In this recipe, the quinoa is cooked risotto-style, giving it a creamier texture that's packed with nutrition and low in calories!
Recipe serves 4 people. 10 minutes prep time, total cook time 20 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 1/2 cups prawn or vegetable stock
500g peeled prawns
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup chopped button mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon fish sauce
3 chopped garlic
1 medium chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped coriander
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Salt & pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Using a fine mesh strainer, soak quinoa in water for 1 minute and rinse thoroughly. Do not skip this step, the quinoa has a bitter later that needs to be washed away.
2. In a mixing bowl, marinade the prawns with chili powder and fish sauce.
3. In a large pan over medium heat, fry oil, garlic and onions until golden brown.
4. Add quinoa and toast for 1 minute. This step is optional, it boosts the nutty flavor of the quinoa and is highly recommended.
5. Add in the prawn or vegetable stock, and let simmer covered for 10 mins. Add salt & pepper to taste.
6. Add in tomatoes and mushrooms, stir through chili powder and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt & pepper to taste.
7. Arrange prawns nicely on the top, and let simmer for another 5 minutes or until prawns are pink in color.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve with a lemon wedge.
ALY'S COOKING TIPS
1. This recipe can be made vegetarian with the use of vegetable stock.
2. At the end of the cooking, leave the covered pan to sit for another 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa grains to 'pot' in the steam.
3. Always wash your quinoa before cooking. Quinoa has a natural coating called Saponin, that has a very bitter and soapy taste.
4. Use the heads of your peeled prawns to make a delicious prawn stock instead of using store-bought stock.