Chia-Chayote-Corn MEDLEY

    

This is a recipe I created for a Cook-Off. 

This dish is a fusion of traditional and western flavors. It uses simple ingredients and is ready in minutes. Perfect for a lunch box, picnics or whenever you crave for a flavorful and guilt-free meal. This dish contains whole grains, fruits & veggies full of fiber with the right amount of fat in the form of Olive Oil.

SERVING SIZE: 6-7

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Corn kernels (either frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup Chayote squash diced into 3/4-inch pieces
• 3 Tbsp. Chia seeds
• 1 cup Cracked wheat/ Couscous
• 2-3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 small red onion chopped into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (red, orange or yellow  bell peppers, carrots)
• 1Tbsp Tava fry masala (any brand)*
• 1 tsp. Lemon juice
• 8-10 almonds chopped/toasted pecans
• Handful of cilantro julienned and some more for garnishing
• 1cup Pineapple chunks diced into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup Mango peeled, diced into ¾- inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup Pomegranates seeds (optional)
• Salt according to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)                                                                   
• METHOD:
•   Rinse all the vegetables. Pressure cook the cracked wheat   with 3/4 cup of water until two whistles. After taking it out of the pressure cooker let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, add lemon juice, little bit of salt and set aside.
•  Meanwhile, in large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium, add minced garlic, chopped onions and chia seeds. Stir fry until onions are translucent. Stir corn, chayote squash and all the other vegetables until cooked for 5-10 mins approx.
•   Now add the fluffed cracked wheat into the vegetables. Stir well. Next add the chopped almonds/pecans, salt if needed, pepper flakes, Tava fry masala, and mango & pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro. Incorporate everything well. Garnish with Cilantro and pomegranates.
• ·       Let it sit for 10-15mins for all the flavors to blend in. Serve at room temperature.
  *Tava fry masala is readily available in any Indian grocery store.