Quinoa has become quite a Passover phenomenon over the last few years (see the kashrus information at the bottom of the recipe). I’ve enjoyed the ingredient for many reasons. First, although it is not a grain (it’s a berry), it has a light grain-like texture so it feels filling and satiating on Passover. It’s a great alternative to potatoes and is full of protein. I make it year round with black beans and corn and other interesting ingredients like edamame.

Serves 4

I saw this recipe in Bon Appetit Magazine and thought it sounded interesting. With a few tweaks its made for an amazing side dish for Passover. I sometimes add some nuts for crunch.

1 cup quinoa, rinsed well in a fine-mesh sieve
Kosher salt
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil plus more for baking sheet
2 tablespoons apple cider
2 tablespoons honey
Freshly ground black pepper
3 medium carrots (about 1/2 pounds) peeled, thinly sliced on a diagonal
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup craisins
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
1 head Bibb or butter lettuce, leaves torn

Preheat oven to 450°. Bring quinoa and 4 cups lightly salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender, 10-15 minutes. Add onion; cook for 1 minute longer. Drain; return quinoa mixture to saucepan, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl; let cool.

Meanwhile, lightly coat a large rimmed baking sheet with oil. Whisk cider and honey in a large bowl to blend; season with salt and pepper. Add carrots and toss to coat. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and roast until tender, 15-20 minutes. Let cool.

Whisk vinegar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Gradually add 1/4 cup oil, whisking until dressing is blended. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
Add craisins, dill, carrots, and half of vinaigrette to quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Add lettuce and remaining vinaigrette and toss to combine.

* The cRc approves the use of whole grain quinoa for Pesach on the following conditions:

The quinoa is imported exclusively from Bolivia and packed by companies that pack whole grain quinoa exclusively. While there may be others,Ancient Harvest and Trader Joe’s are two brands that only import quinoa from Bolivia and only pack whole grain quinoa.

The quinoa must be carefully inspected by hand before Pesach.
This is done by spreading quinoa, one layer at a time, on a board or plate, and check to be sure that there are no other grains or foreign matter mixed in with the quinoa. [This type of inspection would not help with Quinoa flour, pasta or any other version of quinoa which is not permitted on Pesach].

By Emuna Braverman and Elizabeth Kurtz, of www.gourmetkoshercooking.com

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