Spicy Orange Quinoa

1 c quinoa (will yield roughly 2 c cooked)
1 c water2 medium carrots, diced
1/4 small, sweet white onion, diced
Juice & zest of 1 orange
1/8 t cinnamon
1/8 t cumin
1/8 t curry powder
1/4 t balsamic vinegar
1/2 t honey
Dash of salt
1 T olive oil
1/4 c raisins
Small handful of cilantro, finely chopped

Combine cinnamon, curry powder, cumin, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a small dash of salt in a bowl and whisk together until well combined. Add the diced carrots and stir until well-coated. Allow to sit for a few minutes so that the carrots absorb the flavors of the spices.R

Rinse the quinoa very well and cook in 1 c water and about 1/2 c freshly squeezed orange juice (if you have any remaining juice, set aside for later) along with a 1" piece of orange peel.

While the quinoa is cooking, chop the onion & cilantro and set aside. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is thoroughly heated, add the spiced carrots and cook quickly until carrots just become tender. They should still have plenty of crunchy texture and not be mushy at all.

When quinoa is finished cooking, drain any excess liquid (if any) and remove the orange peel. Add the rest of the orange zest and spiced carrots with their juices. Next, add the diced onion, raisins, and finely chopped cilantro.

Mix together until everything is uniformly combined. Check for seasonings and adjust accordingly. If quinoa seems a bit dry, add any remaining juice.