Aren't neighbors wonderful? We had our neighbors over for dinner the other night, and we grilled some corn to go along with our tacos. I had gotten the corn at the farmers' market, and as I husked it with the children, we found several caterpillars inside the husks. I actually find this reassuring because it means that the corn has not been sprayed within an inch of its life with noxious chemicals. I cut them all out, but the children were still a bit put off. I explanied why I didn't mind them, but I'm not sure they got it. At the end of my explanation, I asked them which they would prefer, a few caterpillars or chemical sprays. They all chanted, "chemicals!" Apparently I have a bit more persuading to do.
In the course of this conversation, I told the children not to mention the caterpillars to our dinner guests because it might make them afraid to eat the corn. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized my mistake. Not only was I advocating deception, but my mere suggestion that we not say anything meant that the children were guaranteed to say something. I saw a glint in Oscar's eye, but he is usually shy in a crowd, so I thought I was safe.
No such luck. After toiling over a hot grill to get the dozen or so ears of corn cooked, I brought a huge platter heaped with corn to the table. When offered corn, Oscar passed and then said, "we found lots of worms in that corn."
There were lots of leftovers.
We also had lots of tomatoes. Not only are the tomatoes coming in at our farm garden, but other neighbors left for a two-week vacation and asked us if we would pick their tomatoes so that they would not go to waste. Anything for a neighbor.
Corn, Tomato, and Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
You could substitute any other grain for the quinoa, but quinoa is loaded with protein and its chewy texture is a nice complement to the softness of the tomatoes and the crunch of the corn and onion. Quinoa is also gluten free for those who must avoid wheat. We served this salad as a side dish, but it could easily be doubled to become a main course. Because it can be served at room temperature, it makes a great pot luck or picnic dish.
Serves 6 as a side dish
20 minutes cooking and preparation time, plus additional time for cooling
4 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup quinoa
1 teaspoon salt
a few grinds of pepper
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup diced red onion
corn cut from 2 ears of cooked corn (about 1 cup)
2 medium tomatoes, cored and diced
Heat a teaspoon or so of olive oil in a skillet. Add the quinoa and cook it until it is fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover, and let the quinoa sit for about 12 minutes, until it is soft and the round grains have opened up.
Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together the salt, pepper, cilantro, and white wine vinegar. Slowly add the remaining olive oil, whisking continuously. When the quinoa is cooked, toss it with the dressing in a large bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes, and add the onion, corn, and tomato. Serve the salad warm or let it cool to warm temperature.
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LOL! oscar, oscar, oscar. loved this recipe and was actually going to ask for it so glad you posted!
Posted by: Chronicles of Momnia | August 30, 2009 at 10:54 PM