- 2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/3 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup minced green onions
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- Rinse the quinoa according to package directions. Bring water to boil in medium saucepan. Add quinoa; stir and bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer approximately 20 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Transfer to large bowl to cool.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice and cardamom to blend in small bowl. Drizzle over couscous. Mix in dates, almonds, minced cilantro, and green onions. Toss gently to blend ingredients and season to taste. May be served warm or at room temperature. Flavors will blend better if it stands at room temperature at least 1 hour and then is served.