Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (1/2 pint) grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch dinosaur kale, finely shredded
  • 1/2 English cucumber, cut into small dice
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1/2 and juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1/4 and juice of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 small Spanish onion, diced
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Finely grated zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 12 quail, backbones and bottom leg joints removed, flattened, wings tucked
  • Canola oil, for brushing
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • For the tabouli: Place the quinoa in a medium saucepan, cover with 1 3/4 cups cold water and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, cover, lower the heat and cook until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove the lid, fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  • Put the quinoa in a large bowl; add the tomatoes, mint, kale, cucumbers and onions and mix to combine.
  • Whisk together the olive oil and lemon and orange zests and juices, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the dressing to the salad and toss to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • The longer the salad sits the better the flavors become.
  • For the pomegranate-orange BBQ sauce: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add the onions and cook until soft.
  • Add the pomegranate juice, orange juice, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, sugar, cinnamon sticks and orange zest and cook until reduced by half.
  • Add the ketchup and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, whisk in the mustard, salt and pepper and let cool slightly.
  • Remove the cinnamon sticks before using.
  • Remove about 1 cup of the sauce for serving.
  • For the quail: Heat the grill to medium high for direct grilling.
  • Brush the quail with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Put breast-side down on the grill and cook about 3 minutes.
  • Flip, brush with the barbecue sauce, cover the grill and cook another 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Transfer to a platter and serve with the reserved barbecue sauce and the tabouli.