Side Dish: Lemon Cumin Quinoa

A fragrant combination of quinoa with lemon, cumin, scallions, avocado, raisins and apricots.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Lemon Cumin Quinoa

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 oz dried apricot
1 lemon
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp sweet paprika
1/4 tsp paprika
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp salt
1 avocado
2 oz raisins
2 medium scallions
1 cup quinoa

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, soak the raisins and apricots in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a 2-quart saucepan, bring 2 cups water, the quinoa, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat.

3. Cover, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is translucent and tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and turn it out on a baking sheet to cool at room temperature.

5. Finely grate the zest from the lemon and then squeeze 1 tablespoon juice in a small bowl, whisk the lemon zest and juice with the olive oil, coriander, cumin, paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

6. In a large bowl, toss the vinaigrette with the quinoa, raisins, apricots, avocado, scallions and almonds.

7. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.