Spiced Quinoa With Zucchini Food

ZUCCHINI QUINOA CAKES

Steps:

• For the zucchini quinoa cakes: In a small saucepot, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked, 10 to 12 minutes. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, grate the zucchini and squash. Transfer to a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• In a large bowl, mix together the cooled quinoa, grated zucchini and squash, chives, dill, mustard, garlic and lemon zest. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper and eggs and mix together well.
• Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet until hot. Spoon nine 2 tablespoon-size scoops of the batter into the skillet and flatten slightly. Cook until golden on the bottom, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on the other side. Remove to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• For the herbed yogurt: Mix together the yogurt, dill, parsley, salt, pepper and lemon zest in a medium bowl.
• Transfer the cakes to a platter, top with a dollop of the herbed yogurt and garnish with a sprig of dill.
• To make the cakes in advance: Place the cakes on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven at 170 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

QUINOA WITH GRILLED ZUCCHINI, GARBANZO BEANS, AND CUMIN

Steps:

• Combine garbanzo beans and lemon juice in large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons oil; press in garlic and stir to combine. Let marinate at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water, quinoa, and coarse salt; bring to simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until all water is absorbed, about 16 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium high heat). Place zucchini on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle with ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
• Place zucchini on grill; sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and browned on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to work surface. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Add zucchini, green onions, and parsley, then garbanzo bean mixture to quinoa. Toss to blend. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• *Sometimes labeled Pimentón Dulce or Pimentón de La Vera Dulce; available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores, and from tienda.com.
• **A grain with a flavor and texture similar to couscous; available at natural foods stores.

QUINOA WITH CORN AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Place the quinoa in a bowl, and cover with cold water. Let sit five minutes. Drain through a strainer, and rinse until the water runs clear.
• Bring the water or stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Heat another medium saucepan or lidded skillet over medium-high heat, and add the quinoa. Toast, stirring, until the grains have separated and begin to smell fragrant. Add the water or stock and salt. It should come to a boil quickly. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and translucent and each grain displays a little thread. Drain and return to the pan. Cover the pan with a clean dish towel, replace the lid and allow to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes, and add the garlic, corn and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the zucchini is tender and translucent and the corn tender, five to eight minutes. Stir in the quinoa and toss together. Heat through, add the herbs and serve with a little crumbled queso fresco or feta sprinkled on top if desired.