Quinoa Salad with Fresh Asparagus

Jun 10th, 2015
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Gluten free seed, quinoa is becoming an immensely popular food due to its tremendous nutritional content:

  • 9 essential amino acids, making quinoa a complete protein
  • Twice as much dietary fiber as other grains, supporting a healthy digestive system
  • Minerals: phosphorous (important for bone formation, kidney health, and muscle strength) magnesium (regulates blood pressure) and iron (helps deliver oxygen-rich blood cells throughout the body). 

Asparagus is a very low calorie vegetable, rich in various vitamins, fiber and minerals, being a powerful part of a balanced diet.

  • Excellent source of Vitamin A and other antioxidants (good for skin, and eyes)
  • Rich in dietary fibers (helps with digestion, weight loss and cholesterol)
  • The spears have anti-inflammatory properties (lower the risk of heart diseases)
  • Contains Vitamin K (important for blood clotting and bones)
  • Rich in folic acid (recommended during pregnancy)
  • Excellent source of iron
  • Contains magnesium and potassium (eases muscle cramps)

Ingredients:

1 cup of quinoa seed, fresh mint, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, ½ tbsp of lemon juice, 2 crushed garlic, salt, pepper, 1 bunch of asparagus and roasted walnuts.

Directions:

In a rice cooker or a medium saucepan, cook 1 cup of quinoa with 1 cup of water like rice.

In a large bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing well all together: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, fresh mint, walnuts, salt and pepper.

When the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed, toss it well in a bowl with the dressing and let it cool off in room temperature.

Rinse asparagus under cold water, snap off the hard ends and put them in a pan of salted boiling water until tender about 5’.

In a wide bowl, put the quinoa then asparagus on top and drizzle with olive oil.

Note: The cooking water of asparagus could be added to homemade soups or sauces.

Ayurveda Concepts :

In Ayurveda asparagus is used in pitta and vatha pacifying conditions . Fresh mint , apple cider vineger and lemon juice , pepper   and quinoa are good for vatha dosha kinds of disorder .


To read the full article please download our Asana Journal App or purchase Issue 150 June 2015

Asana Journal

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