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Recipes

Quinoa with sautéed leeks, peas and avocado

Quick, easy, nutritious and a brilliant buffet option

June 25, 2015 12:34
Photo: David Munns

By

Lisa Roukin,

Lisa Roukin

1 min read

Cook: 15 - 20 minutes

Serves: 4 - 6

This salad, which balances soft, sautéed leeks and crunchy seeds, is perfect for any occasion. It’s light but satisfying, packed with plant-based protein, and – during the summer months – packs well for picnics.

METHOD

  • Rinse the quinoa through a sieve with cold water for 2 minutes, then drain well.
  • Place it in a medium saucepan with 400ml cold water, bring to boil, cover and simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, carefully fluff with a fork, cover and stand for 5 minutes, then spread onto a large flat platter to cool.
  • In a large, non-stick frying pan, add the oil, sauté the sliced leeks until translucent and soft, and season with sea salt, white pepper and garlic granules.
  • Add the petit pois to the sautéed leeks and continue to cook for 5 minutes, then leave to cool a little.
  • Add the leeks and peas to the cooked quinoa with the pumpkin seeds.
  • For the dressing: mix the olive oil, apple juice, honey mustard, agave nectar and sushi seasoning vinegar in a measuring jug.
  • Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Add the chopped mint, coriander and toasted sesame seeds.
  • When the salad is completely cooled, add the cubed chunks of avocado, mix through the salad then pour over the dressing.

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Ingredients

300g quinoa
2 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
3 leeks, sliced thinly
Sea salt and white pepper
Garlic granules
250g frozen petit pois
60g pumpkin seeds
2 avocados, cubed

FOR THE DRESSING
60ml olive oil
60ml apple juice
2 tsp honey mustard (use regular mustard if making this vegan)
2 tsp agave nectar
2 tbsp sushi seasoning vinegar
Sesame seeds, toasted
1 handful fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 handful fresh coriander, chopped