Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quinoa, dry
  • 2 cups Water, cold
  • 1 cup Green peas, fresh or frozen
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Shelled hemp seeds
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea salt (plus a little extra)
  • 1 dash Black pepper

Method

  • Rinse quinoa in a mesh strainer with cold water. Transfer to a pot and add the 2 cups cold water and a nice pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer, and leave the lid of the pot slightly ajar while cooking. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is plump, the water is absorbed, and you see the tiny little outer "shells" of the quinoa grain coming loose in the pot.
  • Remove quinoa from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes or so. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • While quinoa is cooking, boil fresh or frozen peas till warm and tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Mix quinoa, peas, basil, and hemp seeds in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and black pepper. Pour over the quinoa salad mixture, and serve warm or cold. Dish will keep excellently (though the basil might turn a little dark) in the fridge for 2-3 days.