Lazy kitties.
Although being lazy is tempting, on Sunday I like to prepare for the week ahead. I try to make one or two dishes that will serve as quick meals when I don't have time (or energy) to cook. This week my lunch bag will include Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes. It keeps well in the refrigerator and actually becomes more tasty after the flavors are able to marinate for awhile.
Some of you might be thinking, "What is so great about quinoa"? Well, I will tell you.
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is an ancient seed that is high in protein, calcium and iron, a relatively good source of vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. It contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans and is therefore considered a "complete protein". Although it is technically a seed, it is used as a grain and substituted for grains because of it's cooking characteristics. The fat content of quinoa is relatively high when compared to other grains, but it is low in sodium and also provides valuable starch and fiber. Quinoa is a tasty and versitile, supplying variety as well as good nutrition. If you haven't tried Quinoa...do it.
Check out the nutritionals.
(from allrecipes.com)
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
1 tomato, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
4 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
1.Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, and rinse under cold, running water until the water no longer foams. Bring the quinoa, salt, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
2.Once done, stir in the garbanzo beans, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to serve.
Makes 6 servings.
This dish is now individually portioned in the fridge so all I have to do when I need a quick meal during the week is pull it out, add some veggies or a salad and EAT.
Question: What are your favorite "make-ahead" dishes?
I just opened a can of chickpeas!!!! Using some for my salad tomorrow...perhaps your dish might be on the menu later this week :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh...my favorite make ahead dishes are always salads for work! Tomorrow's consists of: spring mix, cucumber, tomoatoes, walnuts, garbanzo beans, avocado and a drizzle of olive oil! Mmmmm
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I have been hearing so much about this seed. I must add it to my diet as it has so many "good" things in it. Thanks to for the pronunciation as well.
ReplyDeleteI've never made quinoa, but this looks delicious! Is it expensive?
ReplyDeleteQuinoa is a slightly more expensive than some other grains. I checked prices and Quinoa is about $4.99 for a 12oz box. I buy quinoa in the bulk bins at Whole Foods to save a little money! You should definitely try it sometime.
ReplyDelete