Love For Ethiopia

This is one of our favorite fresh vegetarian recipes.  Enjoy!

Quinoa and Avocado Salad With Lemon Tahini Dressing

1 heaping cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and drained

2 cups water

pinch of salt

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 red onion, diced

2 red bell peppers, diced

2 avocados, diced

In a saucepan, heat the quinoa and water until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the quinoa has absorbed the water and fluffs up, about 15 minutes. Drain any extra water and set aside to cool.

Make the dressing (recipe below) while the quinoa is cooking.

Toss the cooked quinoa, cilantro, red onion, bell pepper, and half of the dressing. Add more dressing to taste. Toss the avocado in last.


Lemon Tahini Dressing
4 Tbsp tahini (this is sesame seed butter -- found at natural food markets)

2 Tbsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2  cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

pinch of salt

Directions
Whisk together the garlic, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil.  Add 1 or 2 Tbs hot water to thin it out a bit and then the salt. Set aside until the salad is ready to be tossed