Quinoa Salad with Seared and Caramelized Panela Cheese

Ingredients

• 200 g panela cheese (Cubed)
• 2 tsp honey (For caramelizing the cheese)
• 0.5 tsp crushed dried chile (chili flakes)
• 0.5 tsp salt (For the cheese)
• olive oil or cooking spray (Just enough to lightly coat the skillet)
• 1 cucumber (Finely chopped)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 0.5 cup tomato (Chopped)
• 0.5 scallions (Chopped; approximately half a bunch)
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries (Alternatively, use chopped dates)
• 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil (For the dressing)
• 1 lemon juice (Juice of 1 lemon)
• 2 tbsp honey (Or pomegranate molasses)
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tsp salt (For the dressing)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare all the ingredients: cut the panela cheese into cubes, finely chop the cucumber, tomato, scallions, and parsley, and chop the dates into small pieces if using them instead of the dried cranberries.

2. 2

   Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a little olive oil. The skillet should be hot but not smoking.

3. 3

   Place the panela cheese cubes in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown.

4. 4

   Add the honey, crushed dried chile, and the half teaspoon of salt over the cheese. Carefully turn the cubes so they brown and caramelize on the other side, approximately 3 minutes more. Watch them closely so the honey does not burn.

5. 5

   Remove the caramelized cheese from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the salad.

6. 6

   Place the chopped cucumber, cooked quinoa, tomato, scallions, parsley, and dried cranberries or chopped dates in a large bowl.

7. 7

   To prepare the dressing, place the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or pomegranate molasses, tahini, teaspoon of salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

8. 8

   Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to distribute it without crushing the ingredients.

9. 9

   Fold in the seared and caramelized panela cheese cubes, or arrange them on top just before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

The recipe offers two options for the dried fruit: dried cranberries or dates. If using oil instead of cooking spray to brown the cheese, use only a minimal amount. Serve the cheese hot to best preserve its golden, caramelized texture.

Nutrition per serving

• snack
• salad
• vegetarian
• fresh
• healthy
• with quinoa
• panela cheese
• quick