55 Min
GF
V
Beautyberry Quinoa Pilaf
Walking through Memorial Park and seeing giant blooming branches of lush bright purple beautyberries is a late summer treat here in Houston. The Callicarpa americana, commonly called the American beautyberry, with a stunning jewel-like quality that I remain in awe of is a native plant of Southern United States. The purple berries are eaten by birds, deer and other animals, who also distribute them as they travel. Usually displayed as an ornamental plant, beautyberry is slowly making its way into kitchens for culinary use. Its delicate lemony flavor can perk up a salad or a pilaf or combine with blackberries and make a jam out of it. The leaves add fiber and have an astringent citrusy flavor as well. If you see them next, pick a few purple berries or leaves off the plant and give it a try. I love them so much that last year, I planted two beautyberry trees in my backyard garden, which have now multiplied into several more thanks to some very active squirrels. I look forward to an even bigger bounty of blooms next year ~ in the meanwhile, enjoy this simple quinoa salad topped with beautyberries.
Walking through Memorial Park and seeing giant blooming branches of lush bright purple beautyberries is a late summer treat here in Houston. The Callicarpa americana, commonly called the American beautyberry, with a stunning jewel-like quality that I remain in awe of is a native plant of Southern United States. The purple berries are eaten by birds, deer and other animals, who also distribute them as they travel. Usually displayed as an ornamental plant, beautyberry is slowly making its way into kitchens for culinary use. Its delicate lemony flavor can perk up a salad or a pilaf or combine with blackberries and make a jam out of it. The leaves add fiber and have an astringent citrusy flavor as well. If you see them next, pick a few purple berries or leaves off the plant and give it a try. I love them so much that last year, I planted two beautyberry trees in my backyard garden, which have now multiplied into several more thanks to some very active squirrels. I look forward to an even bigger bounty of blooms next year ~ in the meanwhile, enjoy this simple quinoa salad topped with beautyberries.
55 Minutes
4
Notes & Variations
- Add chopped nuts like cashews or pistachios.
- Turn this pilaf into a salad by tossing lettuce leaves with it. Add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Amchur is sun-dried green mango available at Indian grocers. Substitute with the juice of 1 lemon or lime.
Notes & Variations
- Add chopped nuts like cashews or pistachios.
- Turn this pilaf into a salad by tossing lettuce leaves with it. Add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Amchur is sun-dried green mango available at Indian grocers. Substitute with the juice of 1 lemon or lime.
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A SPOONFUL OF GARBANZOS KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY.
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