Sharing food is one of my pleasures. Whether it’s for people who have just dropped by, a last minute dinner party, a celebration or making food to help someone out, giving and sharing food leaves me feeling happy. This does not mean I don’t know that for some people the task of making something to share can be daunting. Perceived lack of skill aside, there is also a plethora of dietary restrictions a person may have to consider when thinking of what to make and take. Organic only, vegan, raw vegan, raw, paleo, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, piscatarian, nut free, sugar free- just to name a few. This page isn’t a space where I am going to tell you to exclude or include foods to promote any dietary plan. Preparing loving, easy food with fresh ingredients is the priority.

When faced with bringing something to share I often opt for a salad that can go on its own or be easily paired with meat or fit in with other salads and dishes served by others. My favourite is a sweet potato and quinoa salad

SWEET POTATO AND QUINOA SALAD

1kg sweet potato, cubed

1tsp ground cumin (optional)

1/2cup quinoa

Mixed lettuce or spinach leaves

Juice of 2 lemons

Salt to taste

Olive oil

Coat the sweet potato with olive oil, salt and cumin (if using). Place on a baking tray and roast until cooked, this should take about 20minutes in a 200 degree oven. I like to roast mine until it has nice caramelised corners.

While this is cooking place quinoa in a saucepan with 1 cup of water. I used tricolour quinoa as that’s what I had. Bring the quinoa to the boil and then let it simmer. Let it simmer until the little curl of the quinoa is released. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. Place in a bowl and dress the quinoa with the olive oil, salt and lemon juice. 

When the sweet potato is cooked add it to the cooked and dressed quinoa. Then place the sweet potato and quinoa on a bed of mixed lettuce leaves or spinach.

You could add some toasted pine nuts, walnuts or feta if you desire. There is also the option of using pumpkin instead of sweet potato. Or maybe some sweet paprika instead of cumin for a different flavour. Have a try, have a taste and tweak it to your own liking.

I hope you’re loving this easy food.