Deborah Does Dinner - Again!

Deborah Madison is my newest obsession. I realize I just blogged about her book last week but I am working my way through Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and am loving recipe after recipe.  The latest creation is no exception,  full of wonderful flavors , vibrant colors and nutrition.  Not only is her Mango Quinoa with Curry Dressing a fast and healthy weeknight meal, it also makes for a delicious, light and satisfying lunch that will make your co-workers jealous! *I have made this a few times now and I like to chop extra scallions and cilantro to add at the end.  I also have been using cashews instead of almonds and adding chopped parsley to the recipe.  And last but not least, I serve it on a bed of greens. **If you are busy, go ahead and make the dressing and quinoa ahead of time and your prep time is so fast – maybe 20 minutes for a weeknight dinner that will totally satisfy! INGREDIENTS: 1 1/3 cups quinoa, rinsed 2 large mangoes, cubed 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and diced 3 green onions, white and 1″ of green parts sliced 1/2 cup curry vinaigrette (recipe follows) 1/3 cup roasted almonds or cashews DIRECTIONS: Bring 3 cups of water to boil and add 1/2 tsp of salt and the quinoa. Lower the heat, cover and simmer until the quinoa is tender (12-15 minutes). Drain. Toss all of the ingredients together with the drained quinoa except for the cashews; add those just before serving. Curry Dressing Makes about 1/2 cup INGREDIENTS: 2 garlic cloves, minced Salt 2 tablespoons yogurt, mayonnaise or sour cream (I have used both yogurt and mayonnaise and have liked it both ways) 2 teaspoons curry powder (I like to add a little extra curry) 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice 5 tablespoons light olive or sunflower seed oil (I generally use less than this, more like 3 tablespoons) 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro DIRECTIONS: Place all ingredients, except the cilantro into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously until thoroughly combined. Let stand 10 minutes.  Stir in the cilantro and taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy! --Rachel