QUINOA, ROASTED EGGPLANT AND APPLE SALAD WITH CUMIN VINAIGRETTE

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Quinoa, Roasted Eggplant and Apple Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 large shallot, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
One 14.5-ounce can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
1 1/4 cups whole-grain quinoa, preferably organic
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
One 1 1/4-pound eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large Honey Crisp or Golden Delicious apple, unpeeled, cored, quartered
3/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted, or 1/3 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 large bunch watercress

Steps:

  • For the vinaigrette: Toast the seeds over medium heat in a heavy medium skillet, stirring occasionally, until the seeds darken in color and become fragrant, 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. Place the seeds on a plate; cool for 1 minute. Grind the seeds finely in a small food mill or grinder.
  • Whisk the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and the toasted seeds until thick and blended in a small bowl. Stir in the shallots. Set the vinaigrette aside.
  • For the salad: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
  • Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat in a heavy medium saucepan. Mix in the quinoa. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa stand, covered, 5 to 10 minutes. Cool and fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, spray a large rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. Toss the eggplant with 3 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the pepper on the sheet. Roast until tender and browned, stirring once, about 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl; fluff with a fork. Add the vinaigrette, eggplant, apples, walnuts and cranberries. Toss to blend.
  • Cover the bottom of a shallow platter with the watercress. Spoon the salad on top and serve.

Maxwell Smith
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This salad is a waste of time and ingredients. The flavors just don't work together.


Mary Bety
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Overall, I thought this salad was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special either.


Faze x zeke
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This salad is not very filling. I would recommend serving it with a side of protein, such as grilled chicken or fish.


SEUN VIBES
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The cumin vinaigrette is a bit too strong for my taste. I would recommend using a lighter dressing, such as a lemon-tahini dressing.


Babar Shah
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I would have liked the salad more if the eggplant had been roasted a bit longer. It was still a bit too firm for my taste.


Rudolph “Glow” The Rednosed Reindeer
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This salad is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort. The roasted eggplant and apples are especially delicious.


Md:Roni Islam Roni
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I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I really enjoyed this salad. The roasting process mellows out the eggplant's flavor and makes it much more palatable.


As Antor Halder Spk
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I made this salad for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor combination.


Anjelina Adek Ogembo
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover quinoa. It's also a healthy and filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.


Amir Bhutta
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I was skeptical about the combination of quinoa, roasted eggplant, and apples, but I was pleasantly surprised. The flavors and textures work really well together. I'll definitely be making this salad again.


ninjay 997
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This quinoa salad is a delightful burst of flavors and textures. The roasted eggplant adds a smoky depth, the apples provide a sweet crunch, and the cumin vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly. I especially love the contrast between the warm