Power Lunch
I admit that I’m coo-coo for quinoa. Here’s my lunch. What’s not to love?
Did you know that it’s not a grain? Nope. Actually related to the spinach and beet family. For those not familiar, is it used like a grain, has a soft texture and nutty taste, and is packed with nutrition and health benefits. But that’s not why we eat it. We eat it because it is delicious. Here, I’ve tossed cooked quinoa with diced red pepper, chopped green onion and parsley, a handful of chickpeas, and a handful of beans from inside the pods of the green beans in my garden that got too big (btw, I didn’t even think of that until Yvonne in Carlton suggested it — now I’m not so bummed when the beans escape my notice and get too mature to eat whole — because these inner beans are delicious simmered in lightly salted water. Also notice how pretty — lavender colored). I really think most kids will eat quinoa. Mine loves it. She had this salad in her lunchbox yesterday. Alternately, I’ve topped quinoa with ground turkey seasoned with taco seasoning and added chopped green onion, corn, avocado, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, black beans etc, little sour cream, etc. That is an all-plates-licked-clean dinner.
Then, there’s the energy quinoa seems to give me! I’m so pumped up right now after my lunch. I should change the side of the Beetle to say, powered by quinoa!
November 2011 update: some other tips on quinoa…some recipes call for rinsing it because of a bitter taste? The package that I buy at Trader Joe’s must be pre-rinsed because it doesn’t need it at all. We still love the quinoa “taco bowl” dinner from above. It is always a hit and everyone gets to make their plate just like they want it. Also, try quinoa with sautéed shrimp and garbanzos, or with seared greens and slow roasted salmon. Or with grilled squash and eggplant and a spoonful of King Harvest sesame toasted hummus. Swoon!
