Quinoa with dates, raisins, and pomegranate seeds

This makes a delicious side dish, or a bed on which to serve an entree.

1 cup dry quinoa
6 dates, pitted and chopped coarsely
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup red wine
1 1/2 t Cinnamon
1/2 t Cayenne Pepper
1/4 cup Pomegranate seeds
1 T Olive Oil

1)  Soak quinoa for 15 minutes in warm water.
2)  Strain quinoa, then place in 2 quart sauce pan with 2-2.5 cups water.  Bring to a light boil then simmer 25-30 minutes.  All water should be absorbed, and grains will be plump and tender.
3)  Meanwhile, mix dates, raisins, lemon juice, wine, and spices in small sauce pan over medium-low heat.  Bring to a light boil then simmer until reduced and absorbed by fruit.  Stir frequently, and mash fruits lightly with stirring spoon so that they slowly fall apart into the mixture.  Resulting fruit compote should be thick and chunky.
4)  Fold fruit compote into quinoa, and mix well.  Toss in pomegranate seeds and olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 Makes 8 servings.

Amount Per Serving
Calories		142.8
Total Fat		3.2 g
	Saturated Fat	0.2 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.1 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	1.2 g
Cholesterol		0.0 mg
Sodium		1.2 mg
Potassium		111.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate		26.4 g
	Dietary Fiber	2.3 g
	Sugars	7.5 g
Protein		3.4 g