quinoa with pistachios, cranberries + goat cheese

If you're wondering what quinoa (keen-wa) is, it's a grain- I would say it's similar to tabouli or couscous-but if you don't know what those are either, let's just say you can think of it like a little bally cousin of rice. But it has higher protein and fiber and than other grains and is gluten-free, so it's a perfect healthy way to change up your regular dishes.

The contrasting flavors of the nutty pistachios and the sweet goat cheese and cranberries are just...beautiful. This dish would make a perfect elegant holiday side for Thanksgiving or Christmas as well as any fall get-together, and all the bright colors look beautiful too.

Serves 2

You'll need:

Quinoa-1 cup (I used Trader Joe's red quinoa)

Pistachios-dry & salted, 1/2 cup, chopped

Dried Cranberries (Craisens)- 1/3 cup

Goat Cheese (crumbled)-1/3 cup

Red OR Green Onion (not both)- 1/2 onion, chopped
Olive Oil- about 1 tbsp. 

Shell and chop your pistachios, (a Slap Chop is perfect for this!) It's nice to have a good mix of finely minced pieces and bigger chunks. Then roast 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees.

Prepare quinoa according to box. Usually you heat 2 cups of water to 1 cup of dry quinoa, and simmer about 10 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Season with salt, pepper.

Meanwhile- saute red OR green onion in a pan in a bit of olive oil until tender, about 5 minutes.

Once quinoa is finished-toss pistachios, cranberries, onion and a little bit more olive oil together and mix. Then add goat cheese. Enjoy!

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