Dinner: Spanish Quinoa = Fabulous!

Spanish Quinoa - wow.  It was SO good!!

I planned on this dinner after seeing the recipe in Peas and Thank You.  I posted about it on Facebook and someone replied that it was fantastic.  How could I not try it on my first day of the 10-Day Pledge (see my previous blog post for more info on the 10-Day Pledge).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa - rinsed, drained and patted dry
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup organic tomato sauce
• 2 tsp chili powder
• salt & pepper, to taste

* I added diced sweet peppers too, and omitted the s&p

Heat large saucepan over medium heat.  Add quinoa and toast until slightly golden-brown (about 4-5 minutes).  Add onion (and peppers), broth, tomato sauce & chili powder and bring to a boil.  Cover & reduce heat to low.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and fluff with fork.  Optional: season with salt & pepper.

I served mine with sauteed swiss chard & spinach.

Quinoa - after rinsing and pressing between paper towels

Toasting the quinoa prior to cooking gives it a nutty flavor

Q: Why is quinoa good for me?
A: Where should I start?  It's a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids which the body needs for building muscle.  It's also brimming with phytonutrients and antioxidants.  It's also a valuable source of magnesium and fiber along with other essential nutrients.  It's suspected to lower blood sugar levels as well.

Q: Is quinoa a grain?
A: Actually, it's a seed and it's related to the spinach family.  

Q: Is quinoa better served hot or cold?
A: Quinoa is very versatile.  It can be made hot - as in the recipe above.  It's delicious mixed with beans and vegetables and is great in stews.  It's also fantastic in summer salads with crisp vegetables and fruits as well.  Quinoa is also used as an oatmeal alternative.