Go-To Dish

I first heard of Quinoa (ki-nwa) because one of the Aveda shampoos has Quinoa as an ingredient. Low and behold, I find out, Quinoa is not only good for your hair, but your body as well. It is somewhat of a funny food, as it is a lot like a grain, but it is in fact related to beets, spinach and....tumbleweeds. Because of it's significant amount of amino acids, quinoa is actually a complete protein! Anyway, onto the delicious stuff...

My beautiful, wonderful and talented friend Jessica cooked this dish for me a few months ago, and it has become the "go-to" meal in my house ever since.

What you need:
Quinoa (a little spendy, but buy it in bulk at Winco or Freddy's and you will save some money)
Italian seasoning (or basically any seasoning, I didn't have what the recipe called for a couple of times and made do)
Tons of veggies (I use, spinach, diced mushrooms, diced zuchini, garlic, chopped onion, shredded carrots, peppers, whatever is in my fridge)
Sharp Cheddar (yum)

What to do:
- Mix 1 part Quinoa, 2 parts water in a pot and bring to a boil. Let simmer until water is gone. Put lid on and set aside.
- Put the vegetables (minus the spinach), and seasoning in a pan or wok with about 2 tablespoons Olive Oil. Saute until delicious.
- Add spinach towards the end
- Add salt and pepper to taste

I usually throw the Quinoa in with the vegetables once they are done and add a little grated cheese.

The BEST thing about this meal is you can serve it so many different ways, and you do not have to follow the recipe exactly. Jessica stuffed red peppers with her Quinoa mixture and baked the peppers with the stuffing inside. I serve mine with Panko and Parmesan encrusted Tilapia.

photo is a little busy due to our lack of white dishes.

Try it out and let me know how it went or if you made any yummy changes.