Makes 4 servings.
Wholesome and nutritious, this salad can be made even more wholesome by adding a variety of steamed vegetables, such as Haricots Verts, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. The quinoa adds a bit of texture.
INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
Hearts of romaine lettuce, about 16 leaves, torn to manageable pieces.
QUINOA:
1 tablespoon unsalted margarine
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1¼ cups water
1 cup quinoa
MISO GLAZE:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white miso paste
2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese rice wine.)
½ teaspoon salt
DRESSING:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¾ tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice, approx
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION:
In a small saucepan bring to a boil, over high heat, the margarine, salt and water. Sprinkle over the quinoa, lower the heat, cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender Stir with a fork to fluff the grains. If the grains are not tender, add a tablespoon of hot water and continue cooking. Cool.
In a small bowl combine the ingredients for the MISO GLAZE.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and coat well with the miso glaze. Place in a glass or nonreactive dish. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Whisk together the ingredients for the DRESSING and set aside.
Preheat the broiler.
Bring the chicken back to room temperature.
Cover the whole broiling pan, which comes with most ovens, with heavy foil. Then form a “shallow basket” with a piece of heavy foil, crimping it at the corners so that the juices do not spill out.
Place the chicken skin side down (where the skin would have been) in the basket and broil as close to the heat as possible for 5 minutes. Turn over and broil for another 3 minutes. The chicken should be slightly pink on the inside.
Remove from the oven, cover the chicken with foil and let rest for 1 minute.
When the chicken is cool, cut it into wide strips.
TO SERVE:
Toss the quinoa and the greens with the dressing and top with the chicken.
If you are adding vegetables, toss it all together
