Veggie Quinoa

Veggie Quinoa

Quinoa...thumbs up or thumbs down??

Did you know that Quinoa...

~ Isn't a grain, it's actually a seed!

~ Botanically speaking, is a relative of spinach, beets and chard!

~ Is gluten free!

~ Is a complete protein! 

If you have never tried it or you gave it a thumbs down...maybe you should give it another try!!  I’m kind of on a Quinoa kick!! It is SO versatile and I just LOVE experimenting with new recipes!  It seems like I am trying out a new combo almost every week!!  And when I come up with a winner, you can be sure I will write about it here!!

Veggie Quinoa

Ingredients:

1 Cup uncooked quinoa

2 Cups water

1/2 onion/ cut into 1/2” pieces

1 red pepper / cubed

3 garlic cloves / minced

2 med zucchini / cubed

2 large carrots / cut into small cubes 

1 package of portabella mushrooms / chopped

1 package of cherry tomatoes / cut in 1/2

3 T olive oil

1 t Garlic powder

1 t Sea salt

1 t Pepper

Fresh lemon juice (one lemon) *may need a little more depending on juiciness of lemon

Directions:

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Cook Quinoa per directions on the package (usually about 15 minutes)

While quinoa is cooking heat 1 T olive oil on medium in your largest pan. (Trust me on this!)

Add carrots, onion, and peppers. Cook on medium heat stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. 

Add garlic, mushrooms and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes or so (stirring frequently) until veggies are JUST soft. You don’t want mushy veggies in your quinoa!! 

Add tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes or so.

By now your quinoa should be ready!  Fluff with a fork and empty quinoa in a large bowl. 

Mix together 2 T of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper.  I put in a small jar and shook well!  (You can always add more to taste) 

Add dressing mixture to quinoa and toss well.

Add all the veggies and toss again. 

This makes a pretty big recipe. I would say close to 8 servings! I enjoyed it for dinner for 2 days and also added a 1/2 cup to top off my super green salad for lunch for a few days!  I never got tired of it!!

*Feel free to add your favorite fresh herbs as well! I have added basil and it is super yummy.  If you feel you need to add additional lemon or salt and pepper go ahead :)

Topping ideas to add after the quinoa is in your bowl ready to devour.  Pick one that sounds good to you!!

1/4 Cubed Avocado 

2 T sliced Black olives (sounds weird but it works)

2 T pine nuts

2 T feta cheese