yoga4healthyliving

Quinoa with butternut squash and spicy tomato sauce

I am a big fan of quinoa (pronounced keen-wah).  High in protein, and contains all the omegas too.  I came across this yummy recipe in last summer's Waitrose Illustrated magazine.  A lovely lady called Katia Narain from The Little Earth Cafe, Triyoga Centre, NW3 was featured in the publication and this is one of her healthy culinary creations - thanks Katia.

Quinoa with butternut squash and spicy tomato sauce - Serves 6

1 butternut squash; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and freshly ground pepper; 300g quinoa

For the sauce: 330ml extra virgin olive oil (though I used much much less); 2 small red onions chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tbsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp grated ginger; 1 red chilli finely chopped (though I used Tabasco); 440g can chopped tomatoes, 100ml red wine (optional); 150g cashew nuts; 225ml water; 2tbsp tamari; 1 tbsp maple syrup; half an 80g pack coriander, chopped

Preheat oven to 190c/gas 5.  Peel the squash and cut into small cubes.  Toss in a roasting dish with the olive oil, salt and petter.  Bake for 45-60 mins until soft, stirring once or twice.  Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa in a sieve.  Place in a saucepan, cover with 750ml water and bring to the boil.  Turn the heat down, cover the pan and simmer over a gentle heat until all the water has been absorbed: about 15 mins.  Turn the heat off and leave, covered, for at least 5 mins, for excess moisture to evaporate.  While the quinoa and squash are cooking, heat a deep frying pan over a medium heat, add 1 tbsp of the olive oil and the chopped onions, lower the heat and gently fry for 5 mins.  Add the garlic, cumin, ginger and chilli and cook for 5 mins more.  Pour in the chopped tomatoes, wine if using and let the whole thing simmer for a final 5 mins.  In a blender, puree the cashews, the remaining olive oil (I only used about 2 tbsp) , the water, tamari and maple syrup.  Add this mixture to the tomato sauce and heat through then stir in the coriander. Season.  Serve the sauce on a bed of the quinoa topped with chunks of roasted squash.

 

Everyone I have cooked this for loves it - even my teenage sons! 

Triyoga cafe

Have long wanted to visit the Triyoga Centre in Primrose HIll, North London and on Saturday made it happen. ( In case I haven't mentioned it before one of the ways I love to relax is doing and teaching yoga.   Enjoyed the company of a lovely friend and had the most delicious (and nutritious!) lunch of quinoa and seaweed and beetroot salad, veggie juices and amazing lemon ginger tea.  Tried to replicate the quinoa last night but really couldn't achieve the same wonderful flavour.  Need some good quinoa recipes if anyone out there has some?  Anyway, it was a real oasis, such a calm atmosphere, music that was extremely gentle  on the ear and the delicate scent of incense.  With bright sunshine streaming in on us as we ate, it was the ideal opportunity to "be in the moment".  Another time I plan to actually take a class there too!  Can't wait to go again!