Quinoa and Black Lentil Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Quinoa and Black Lentil Salad with 

Spicy Peanut Sauce

ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and drained
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 2 cardamom seeds
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• black pepper, to taste
• more sea salt to taste
• 1 can black lentils, rinsed and drained
• 3 carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 2 stalks celery, diced small
• 6 scallions, sliced thin(green and white parts)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• juice of 1 lemon
• juice of 1 lime
• 2-3 tbsp good organic virgin olive oil

preparation steps:

1. toast seeds in pan until just fragrant

2. add quinoa and toast until just toasted lightly

3. add water and salt to quinoa and seeds, cover pan bring to boil

4. immediately lower heat to low and cook until all liquid has been absorbed (15-20 minutes)

5. remove quinoa from heat and let cool

6. add all other ingredients to deep bowl and add cooled quinoa and gently mix together 

7. serve cold over salad greens with spicy peanut sauce (see recipe below)

Spicy Peanut Sauce

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
• 2-3 tbsp warm water (add more if needed)
• 1 tbsp gluten free tamari
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1-2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1-2 tsp ginger root, grated
• 1 tsp hoisin sauce

steps:

1. whisk peanut butter and water until thinned and smooth

2. add other ingredients and whisk together