Moroccan Spiced Quinoa with Butternut

Warmly spiced Moroccan quinoa with sweetness from raisins and butternut pieces make a delicious side or main dish.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 30 min

Total:  45 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp. oil
1 small onion, chopped
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tbsp. fresh ginger root, grated
1/2 tsp. ground tumeric
1/2 tsp. ground cumin 
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp. honey or agave
1/4 cup raisins or currants
2 cups butternut, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
5-6 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, to garnish

Directions

1. In a pot, heat oil and saute onions, garlic and ginger until browned. Combine spices in a small bowl, then add the mixture to the onions. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add water, quinoa and butternut to the pot and cover with lid. Simmer on medium-low heat until butternut pieces are tender and quinoa has absorbed all the water, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in walnut pieces, raisins, honey and lemon zest.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with mint leaves.