Quinoa is pronounced "keen-wah" and, although once referred to by ancient Incas as "the mother grain", is not a true grain.  It is the fruit of a herb plant that is a complete protein (16.2%)  offering plentiful amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals (magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, E and B vitamins) for good health.  Source:   Ingredient of the Month  *Click on the link for more important information about Quinoa, "supergrain of the future".

Quinoa and Lentil health salad  *You can find Quinoa in the "organic and natural" section of Hannafords Markets in New Hartford, or health food stores such as Peter's Cornucopia where you may buy it in bulk.

Serves 6

• 2 1/2 cups dried lentils
• 10 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (3 cups cooked)
• 2 cups water
• 3 green onion, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 TBS minced garlic
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 6 mixed salad greens
• 8 cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (marinated mozzarella adds a delicious touch to this salad 
• 1 TBS basil pesto (either buy it or make your own)
• 3 TBS Dijon mustard
• 1 TBS balsamic vinegar
• 2 TBS olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Lentils do not require pre soaking but you should look them over for stones or bad ones.  Simply bring the lentils and broth to a boil, cover with the lid slightly open, reduce to low for 35 – 40 minutes, until tender.  Drain.

Add quinoa to boiling water, cover  and let simmer for 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Mix onion, celery, garlic, red pepper, tomatoes in a bowl.  Add the warm lentils and slightly warm quinoa.  Mix. 

Stir together the pesto, mustard, balsamic, olive oil, salt and pepper and pour over the vegetable lentil-quinoa mix and stir. 

Add 1 cup of mixed greens to each plate and top with warm lentil-quinoa vegetable mix.  Top with mozzarella cheese.

The salad looks so much prettier when you add just quinoa to the vegetables but it TASTES so much better when the lentils are added.

The salad is filling and offers complete nutrition in a easy, oh so healthy one dish meal.  Start including Quinoa in your diet today.  It cooks in 15 minutes - quicker than rice.