Ensalada sierra (andean quinoa salad)

Discover the perfect blend of Andean flavors with this refreshing Ensalada Sierra. Packed with quinoa and fresh produce, it's a culinary delight!

Ingredients:

  • 75g quinoa
  • 50g skinned and cooked broad beans
  • small handful coriander leaves, chopped
  • ½ limo chilli or yellow scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • ½ ripe avocado, stoned, peeled and sliced very thinly on the diagonal
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small tomato, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 10 physalis fruits, husks discarded
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • juice 1 lime
  • ½ limo chilli or medium red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. Place it in a saucepan, add cold water to cover it, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is fully cooked and the grains have started to open up. Drain, let it cool, and set aside for later use.
  2. For the sauce, combine the physalis and sugar in a saucepan and pour enough water to cover half of the contents. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the liquid has reduced by two-thirds and the physalis have softened. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Transfer to a small food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
  3. Now, prepare the dressing by combining all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing thoroughly. Mix the broad beans, coriander, and chili with the quinoa. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of the dressing, ensuring not to over-soak the quinoa mixture.
  4. To put together the salad, place a deep 12-15cm ring mold on a plate (or use a large cookie cutter). Arrange the avocado at the bottom of the mold and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Fill the remaining space in the mold with the quinoa and broad bean mixture, pressing down firmly once again. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the physalis sauce around the edge of the mold, then remove the mold. Finally, combine the onion and tomato and spoon 1 tablespoon of this mixture on top of the quinoa. Alternatively, transfer the salad onto a plate. Add more dressing if desired.

Summary:

  • Calories: 512 kcal
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Carbs: 71 g
  • Potassium: 1385 mg
  • Magnesium: 215 mg
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