by Diane Rossen Worthington

Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

Gluten-free has become a serious eating choice for many, not only those diagnosed with celiac disease but also people who are sensitive to wheat products. There are many books out on the subject. What sets "Weeknight Gluten Free" apart from the others is that the author is Bon Appetit Magazine's former food editor, Kristine Kidd. She has developed more recipes than most cookbook authors in her successful career. Her mission here was to cook pleasing dishes that are naturally gluten-free rather than reinterpreting disappointing versions of recipes that rely on wheat, rye or barley.

One of the concepts that shine through in this volume is that there is no need to fret about adhering to a gluten-free diet. The recipes are made for home cooks who want to put a satisfying and tasty meal on the table -- a task seemingly made that much more difficult for cooks limited to gluten-free dishes. In fact, there are so many tempting recipes in her latest book it was difficult to decide which one to test and share.

Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad that is traditionally prepared with bulgur wheat. The simplest version includes tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and bulgur wheat. Kidd's version transforms the classic dish into a gluten-free version by substituting high-protein quinoa for bulgur. It gets a further flavor boost from feta cheese, chickpeas, fresh mint and lemon juice.

I like to serve this as part of a mezze platter. You can pick up good-quality hummus and tzatziki, and arrange on a serving platter. Don't forget some warm cut-up pita bread or pita crackers for scooping along with the romaine leaves. I prefer the inner light green, white leaves for their sweeter flavor and crisp texture. Serve a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to accompany.

Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

    Prep Time: 20 minutes

    Cook time: 25 minutes

    Yield: Serves 4

Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Ingredients

    1 cup (6 oz.), quinoa, preferably multi-color

    Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

    1 lb halved cherry tomatoes, preferably heirloom

    1 can (15 oz.), chickpeas, rinsed and well drained

    6 radishes, chopped

    3 Persian cucumbers, trimmed, quartered lengthwise, cut into 1D2-inch pieces

    4 green onions, chopped

    3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

    3 tablespoons minced fresh mint

    1D2 cup crumbled feta cheese, (optional)

    1D4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

    1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

    Romaine hearts

Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe Instructions

    Place the quinoa in a medium saucepan. Rinse with cold water, drain. Repeat rinsing 3 more times, and then drain the quinoa and return to the pan.

    Add 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

    Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the water (is absorbed, about 15 minutes).

    Turn off the heat and let stand at least 5 minutes.

    Fluff with a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a large shallow bowl and cool to room temperature. (Refrigerate to speed up the cooling).

    Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, chickpeas, radishes, cucumbers, green onions, parsley, mint and feta, if using. Add to the cooled quinoa.

    Add the oil and lemon juice and toss to combine evenly.

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Serve with romaine hearts for scooping.

Gluten-Free, Quinoa, Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe, Middle Eastern Cuisine

Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe - Middle Eastern Recipes

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