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Introduction: Imagine the heart-wrenching scene: a pilot at the helm of his aircraft, surrounded by a flock of birds, unable to understand why they won’t leave the plane. After all, birds usually fly away from flying machines. But as the pilot looked closer, he realized that there was something unexpected at play—these birds were attached, not by instinct but out of necessity. Much like this surprising story, sometimes the most unexpected moments lead to great discoveries. This is where we find inspiration for a recipe that brings together surprising yet delightful flavors, blending the unexpected with the comforting—a recipe that tells a story, just like the one about the pilot and the birds.
Here is a heartwarming recipe that’s sure to remind you of the simple joys of unexpected connections.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked quinoa (or your favorite grain, like farro or barley)
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1/2 cup chopped roasted nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
A pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Prepare the Base: Start by cooking your choice of quinoa or another grain, following the package instructions. Once it's done, let it cool to room temperature.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with the mixed berries. If you’re using strawberries, slice them into smaller pieces for easier mixing.
Add Sweetness: Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the quinoa mixture, followed by the fresh lemon zest. Stir gently to combine, allowing the sweet syrup to coat the grains and fruit evenly.
Add Nuts and Freshness: Toss in the chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch. Then, sprinkle the finely chopped mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
Season and Serve: Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and finish with a light pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Stir everything one last time.
Serving and Storage Tips:
This dish can be served as a refreshing side salad or a light dessert. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as the grains tend to absorb the sweetness and become even more flavorful over time.
Variations:
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