Quinoa in a Bowl

My newest super-food find is ... quinoa. (ta dah!)

It is high in veggie protein and low in fat, except what I am going to add. I am trying to go more vegan as I have never really liked having to eat meat. I mean, I like a burger like anyone else and I simply gorge myself on seafood at every chance. Really though, I could do without having to wash animal blood off my hands as I prepare dinner.

The picture from this blog was so tempting, I had to have this recipe for my own. I can't wait to get to the store to buy some quinoa (pronounced keen wa). The flavor is supposed to be yummy. Since I don't like rice, I have been using couscous. I like the texture and taste much better. It doesn't hurt to have two grains in my vegan backpack. (Shhh! Don't tell I'm slowly converting my family. Mwaaa ha ha haa haaaaaaaaa!) You guys try it to and let me know what you think. Salud!


Quinoa in a Bowl
2 cups white quinoa, rinsed well
4 scant cups water
1 teaspoon salt
a few splashes of extra virgin olive oil
3 - 4 medium/large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large yellow onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, etc)
1-2 cups lightly cooked asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch segments

another splash or two of good olive oil or citrus dressing

Bring the quinoa, water and salt to a boil in a large thick-bottomed pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa opens up revealing a little spiral and is soft and pleasant to chew. If there is any remaining liquid at this point, drain it off and set the quinoa aside.

Warm a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes and a couple pinches of salt. Toss to coat the potatoes and cover for a few minutes to allow the insides of the potatoes to sweat and cook. Uncover, toss again, then cook a few minutes longer (uncovered) until the potatoes start to get some color. Continue tossing every few minutes to get more color and crispness. When they are cooked through and pleasantly crunchy, season to taste with salt and scoop out onto a plate. Set aside.

In the same skillet (no need to clean) warm another splash of oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they soften up a bit.

Toss the quinoa with a splash of olive oil (I had leftover citrus Parmesan dressing, so I used that). Serve each bowl of quinoa topped with potatoes, onions, nuts and asparagus. Alternately, you can toss everything together in one big bowl and serve it up family-style.

Serves 4 - 6.