Ginger Cherry Quinoa

Heart healthy grain quinoa is sautéed with shallots and fresh ginger. Dried cherries bring their sweetness while toasted pine nuts turn this simple supper into a meal of luxury. This recipe comes to us from Jen of Domestic Divas.

Serves 4

• 1/4 pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped

Place the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking the pan every 30 seconds, for 2-3 minutes, or until the pine nuts become fragrant. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and ginger and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened.

Add the quinoa to the saucepan, stir to combine and cook for 1 minute more. Add the water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.

Let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes, then uncover and fluff with a fork. Stir in the dried cherries and pine nuts. Season to with salt and pepper to taste, top with parsley and enjoy.