Skip Jennings & Gwen Keannelly

Today’s Vegan recipe, Curried Quinoa, is from my upcoming book, The Lotus Kitchen with Gwen Kenneally. Curry powder is famously known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition to the health benefits this dish is a textural delight. The crunch of slivered almonds, the chewy raisins, the snap of green peppers and the sweetness of the peas offer a pleasing and harmonious dance on the palate while the protein in the quinoa satisfies the need for protein.

In addition, most of the recipes in the book are paired with a practice and yoga balance piece and this one has one at the bottom of the recipe.

Enjoy,

-Skip

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Curried Quinoa

• 2 cups quinoa
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 large tomatoes
• 4 carrots, grated
• 1 cup sweet peas
• 1 green bell pepper
• 4 teaspoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• Kosher Salt

In a good sized pot sauté quinoa kernels in a little bit of olive oil for 4 minutes, then pour in water, cover and let boil 15 minutes until absorbed. Cut up vegetables while you wait. When water is absorbed, fluff with a fork and add spices, vegetables (except for shredded carrots and cilantro), almonds and raisins. After stirring a good 30 seconds on heat, remove, dish into bowls, and garnish with carrots and cilantro. Serves 4-6

The Practice:

Quinoa is a fairly mild and bland grain until it’s seasoned. Curry is a hot spicy powder that you would likely not eat on its own.  Separately they don’t work, but together they are the culinary Yin-Yang, balancing each other perfectly. Yoga is all about recognizing the balance.  In a twisting lunge, you can feel the battle between stretching and strengthening.  While one side is stretching the other side is releasing into a deep stretch until finally there is a realization that there is no battle at all, just the expression of pure balance.

Twisting Side-angle Pose (Parsvakonasana) Instruction:  Coming from Warrior 1, place the hands into Namaste also knows and Anjali mudra (AHN-jah-lee MOO-dra) the praying hand position (hand over the heart).  Lift the torso and twist towards the opposite side of the body, crossing the elbow over the knee, continuing to expand the twist by looking toward the sky.