But wait, there's more!!

Just one more recipe from Peru (kinda)

I had kind of put Peru week to bed, but last night's dinner was so good and full of nutritious foods that (coincidentally) are native to Peru, that I thought I would share it!  I started a new eating plan this week to try to shed a few (dozen) pounds, so I am cutting wheat out of my diet.  We'll see how that goes, but it has opened my mind up to some healthier alternatives, one of which is Quinoa (keen-wha).  According to the box, quinoa is "the supergrain of the future" and was also the supergrain of the Inca culture, who called it the "Mother Grain".  What makes it so great is that it is a complete protein all by itself, something most grains can't claim.  It is wheat and gluten-free and can be used in many different kinds of dishes- even as breakfast. So I made a little salad with it.  We can call it...........

"The Supergrain of the Future" Salad  
(catchy, huh?)      

For the recipe you will need:

• quinoa- 1 cup dry cooked according to directions
• 1 cup cooked corn
• 2 avocadoes- cubed
• tomatoes- cut up however you'd like
• aji amarillo pepper- diced (or any pepper)
• cilantro- small handful- chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/4 olive oil
• 1/4 rice vinegar
• juice of one lemon
• 1/2 - 1 tsp cumin
• 1 clove garlic- crushed
• some dijon mustard
• salt and pepper
• a little sweetener if too acidic

1.  Make the dressing in a large bowl.  I really didn't have a recipe and I usually "guesstimate" amounts so use your best judgement and play around, tasting as you go until it tastes good to you.
2.  Throw the rest of the ingredients in the bowl and combine until everyone is dressed and ready for the party in your mouth!!

This was delicious and HEALTHY!!  I ate the leftovers today for lunch and it was just as good the next day (except the avocado got a little brown).  I could imagine so many great things that could've gone into this - green onions, black beans, bell pepper, etc., and it would be great to bring to a potluck (or superbowl party- GO NINERS).