Quinoa - my favorite ingredient

One of my good friends has Celiac's disease so I am always on the look out for great recipes that are gluten-free. Quinoa is a great gluten-free food - it is a grain but it is also rich in protein so it makes delicious and hearty salads.

Last night I made this excellent recipe from the Food Network. : Salmon Kebobs with Spicy Quinoa and Grapefruit Salad. (For vegetarians, the salad is great on its own, no fish necessary). It's a little bit complicated, the salmon definitely made it a bit pricier (about $10 per person), but it was definitely worth it, and obviously way less than you would pay in a restaurant.

Ingredients

Salad:

• 1 medium grapefruit
• 8 thin slices fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 small serrano or jalapeno chile, minced (with seeds for maximum heat)
• 2 scallions (both white and green parts), minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper

Fish:

• 1 1/2 pound skinless, center-cut salmon, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Wooden skewers, soaked

Directions

Strip the peel from the grapefruit with a vegetable peeler, taking care not to include the bitter white pith. Warm the grapefruit peel, ginger, and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the oil starts to bubble, after about 2 minutes, remove from heat. Set the oil aside to steep for 30 minutes. Strain and reserve the oil.

Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa in a bowl and drain. Put the quinoa in a small saucepan with the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Boil over high heat, and then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Set aside off the heat, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. Transfer the quinoa to a bowl and fluff with a fork. Cool.

Segment the grapefruit over a bowl, reserving the segments and juice separately. Whisk 3 tablespoons of the grapefruit juice with the vinegar, honey, and salt to taste in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of the reserved grapefruit oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a stream to make a slightly thick dressing. Season with pepper to taste.

Toss quinoa with the dressing, chiles, scallions, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat a stovetop or outdoor grill to high heat. Thread the salmon cubes onto the skewers. Brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon grapefruit oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers, turning as each side browns but the salmon is still moist, about 3 minutes.

Toss the grapefruit segment into the salad, divide among 4 plates, and top with the salmon kebobs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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