Back when Clementines were being sold in pretty much every grocery store in the state, our household was never without a box. I kept thinking that I should cook with them, maybe some sort of dessert, but never found anything that interested me. When I came across this recipe in the December 2008 issue of Sunset Magazine I figured it was not only a great way to use some of the Clementines, but a good way to cook something healthy.
This had a good flavor but was a bit too 'fruity' which might have come from too much dried fruit (I put in half a cup). I didn't have pine nuts so I threw in some toasted slivered almonds. I only threw in the parts of the almonds that I didn't burn because we were catching up with episodes of Heroes and I kinda got distracted and we know what happens to Mrs. L when she gets distracted from her cooking. Will I ever learn!? This made a nice side dish with roasted salmon and grilled rib-eye.
This is simple, quick and healthy. I'm sure any other citrus would work equally well until the Clementines come back next season.
TANGERINE QUINOA PILAF
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh tangerine juice
1 cup rinsed quinoa
zest from one tangerine, finely shredded
dried currents
toasted pine nuts
minced chives
Bring the reduced-sodium chicken broth (or water) and the fresh tangerine juice to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. When quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and stir in the tangerine zest, dried currents, pine nuts and minced chives. Season with salt to taste. Serves 4.
Note: I used dried cranberries which I cut up instead of dried currents.
Note: They didn't give quantities for the currents, pine nuts or chives. Be careful as I added 1/2 cup which was too many cranberries. I would add some a bit at a time and taste to find the right amount to your liking.
Note: The cooking directions in the recipe for the quinoa differed from that on the box. I followed the cooking time on the box.
oh my darlin, oh my darlin, oh my daaaarlin clementine. :)
excellent quinoa dish--adding the currants for sweetness and the pine nuts for crunch are terrific ideas!
Posted by: grace | May 22, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Sorry Mrs. L but this one does not appeal to me.
Posted by: Mom | May 22, 2009 at 04:30 PM
I would love the tangerine flavor and pine nuts and currants are a great addition here!
Posted by: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie | May 22, 2009 at 08:20 PM
I just bought some quinoa at Trader Joe's on Tuesday. So making this.
Posted by: peabody | May 23, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Mmm I love side dishes with nuts and fruit in them. This looks delicious!
Be careful with those nuts! You don't want to burn your nuts.
Posted by: Emily | May 23, 2009 at 02:54 AM
I bet this would be lovely for Thanksgiving, too!
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | May 23, 2009 at 10:34 PM
I just finished up a box of quinoa yesterday. Looks like I'll have to buy some more to make this!
Posted by: Sara | May 26, 2009 at 07:09 PM
Grace - Thanks...you know I'll be singing that for days!
Natasha - I'm thinking this would go with pretty much any citrus that you like.
Peabody/Sara - Let me know how it went
Emily - That's exactly what my husband said :)
Carolyn - Great idea. Now I just have to remember it in November
Posted by: Mrs. L | May 27, 2009 at 02:38 PM