There’s something magical about the ocean; its whispers seem to flow through every wave and ripple. One sunny afternoon, while strolling along the beach, I stumbled upon a tiny farmer’s market. Among the stalls, a vibrant display of seaweed caught my eye. The vendor, a wise old woman, spoke of the health benefits and rich flavors of this ocean treasure. Inspired, I knew I had to create a dish that celebrated the unique umami of seaweed. Thus, the Umami-Infused Seaweed and Quinoa Salad was born, a dish that dances with flavors and nourishes the body.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup fresh seaweed (wakame or dulse), rehydrated if dried
1 small cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and water, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool.
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the seaweed. If using dried seaweed, soak it in warm water for about 10 minutes until rehydrated and soft. Drain and chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, seaweed, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and watch as your guests fall in love with the vibrant colors and the ocean’s essence captured in every bite.
Whether you’re enjoying a sunny picnic or a cozy dinner, this Umami-Infused Seaweed and Quinoa Salad brings together the flavors of the sea and the earth, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Dive into the ocean of flavors and let your taste buds swim!