Avocado Citrus Quinoa Bowl

Background and History

The Avocado Citrus Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the creamy texture of avocados and the zesty notes of citrus, all atop a nourishing bed of quinoa. This bowl is not only a visual feast but also a nutritious powerhouse. Inspired by the rich agricultural traditions of South America where quinoa has been cultivated for thousands of years, this dish integrates modern culinary techniques with ancient ingredients. The addition of citrus gives it a refreshing twist, making it perfect for summer meals or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup
• Avocado - 2, ripe
• Orange - 1, large
• Lemon - 1
• Lime - 1
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Spinach - 1 cup, fresh
• Feta Cheese - 1/2 cup, crumbled
• Red Onion - 1/4, thinly sliced
• Almonds - 1/4 cup, sliced

Preparation

Preparing the Quinoa

Begin by rinsing quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove its natural coating of saponin, which can cause a bitter taste. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Cooking the Quinoa

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the quinoa to simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Check the cooking timer as you go. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to fluff up.

Preparing the Citrus

While the quinoa is cooking, use this time to segment the orange and squeeze juice from the lemon and lime. The citrus segments will add a burst of flavor to your bowl, while the juice will be used for dressings.

Preparing the Avocado

Cut each avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Roughly mash with a fork while leaving some chunks for texture. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.

Assembling the Quinoa Bowl

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, sliced red onion, feta cheese, and sliced almonds. Add in the prepared orange segments and gently mix to combine.

Creating the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle this dressing over the quinoa mix and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.

Serving and Enjoyment

Divide the avocado mash between serving bowls and spoon the quinoa mixture on top. Garnish with additional feta cheese and sliced almonds if desired. The bowl can be enjoyed on its own or paired with warm pita bread for an extra satisfying meal.

The Avocado Citrus Quinoa Bowl is an ideal dish for those looking to savor something healthy and flavorful. The combination of textures and the balance of creamy avocado with the zingy citrus makes every mouthful delightful and refreshing.