Saffron Quinoa

Clearly I have been on a quinoa kick lately. This time I found a recipe for saffron quinoa with dried fruit and toasted almonds in the September issue of Yoga Journal, and I added grilled chicken to it for extra protein. Here's the recipe...it makes 4 servings.

1-2 grilled chicken breasts, depending on how much you want
1/2 c fresh orange juice
1/8 tsp turmeric
pinch of saffron threads, crushed
1 c water
1 c quinoa (dry)
1/3 c slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 c thinly sliced dried apricots
1/3 c currants or golden raisins
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Minced zest from 1 orange
salt + pepper

1. In a medium saucepan, bring juice, turmeric, saffron, and water to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, reduce heat and simmer until liquid is absorbed.
2. Stir in diced grilled chicken, almonds, apricots, currants, oil, lemon juice, and orange zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.


**Helpful Hints**
~Make sure you remove all the white part from the zest, otherwise it will be a bitter orange taste.
~Don't over toast almonds or the flavor will overpower everything else in the dish.