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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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The one thing your quinoa bowls have been missing all along

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Quinoa and corn are a natural combo. They not only pair well tastewise — with quinoa’s soft texture and mild, earthy flavor and corn’s sweet, juicy kernels — they are both staples of traditional Peruvian cuisine, so it seems fitting to combine them as the foundation of these Latin-American-leaning grain bowls.

Ears of fresh corn are grilled out of the husk so they char a bit, adding flecks of smoky flavor to the mix. The kernels are tossed with the just-cooked quinoa (which I invariably find comes out lighter and fluffier when you use slightly less liquid than most packages call for) and served in bowls topped with sliced grilled chicken breast, a crunch of cucumber and radish and slices of buttery avocado.

Those components are all drizzled with a lime-brightened, fresh cilantro and basil sauce that is made simply with a whir of the food processor. The sauce, chicken and corn can all be prepared a few days ahead, so you just need to cook the quinoa (which takes 15 minutes) and slice the vegetables when you are ready to eat.

To switch up the toppings, you could use shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, and/or black beans instead of the chicken breast; and jicama, shredded carrot, tomatoes and grilled zucchini would all work in a meatless bowl. However you top it, you are in for a delightful, healthful one-bowl meal.

Corn and Quinoa Bowls With Herb Sauce

4 servings

The sauce, chicken and corn can be refrigerated up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

n For the sauce

½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves

½ cup packed fresh basil leaves

1 scallion, white and light green part, dark greens sliced and reserved for garnish

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons water

½ teaspoon salt

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

n For the bowls

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, pounded to ½-inch thickness

3 ears corn, shucked

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

¾ cup quinoa

1¼ cups no-salt-added chicken broth

½ English cucumber, chopped

2 medium radishes, thinly sliced

1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

4 lime wedges, for serving

For the bowls: Prepare a grill for direct heat. If using a gas grill, turn the heat to medium. If using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal or briquettes; when the briquettes are ready, distribute them evenly in the grill. You should be able to hold your hand 6 inches above the coals for 4 or 5 seconds.

Make the sauce: Combine cilantro, basil, scallion, the ¼ cup of oil, the lime juice, water, salt and crushed red pepper flakes in a mini food processor; blend to form a smooth sauce.

Brush chicken and corn with tablespoon of oil and season them with salt. Then season the chicken with the pepper and the cumin. Transfer the chicken and corn to the grill and close the lid. Cook the chicken 4 or 5 minutes per side; cook the corn about 15 minutes, until tender, turning it with tongs every 3 or 4 minutes so it is evenly cooked.

Let the chicken and the corn rest 5 for minutes, then slice the chicken and cut the kernels off the corn.

Combine the quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, so all the liquid is absorbed.

Uncover and fluff with a fork, then stir in the corn.

Divide the quinoa/corn mixture among individual bowls. Arrange the chicken slices, cucumber, radishes and avocado on top. Drizzle with the sauce and garnish with scallion greens and lime wedges.

Per serving (using 6 tablespoons sauce): 490 calories, 33 g protein, 38 g carbohydrates, 25 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 85 mg cholesterol, 560 mg sodium, 6 g dietary fiber, 7 g sugar

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