Three Cheers for Quinoa

Where did February go? Whoops. I swear it was Christmas 2 days ago?

Lets talk quinoa! Quinoa is a tasty, nutrient rich "grain" that can be easily prepared and enjoyed in a number of ways. Although it looks and tastes like a grain, in actuality it is a seed! The best thing about quinoa is that it is a wonderful source of protein, making it a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets.

I use quinoa a lot when I am not in the mood to think up a creative recipe or when I'm pressed for time. I know that if I cook up a batch and throw it together with other random ingredients, I usually end up with a yummy meal in no time. In fact, I created this little meal last night on a whim and it ended up being great.

In the mix I've got...

• cooked multicolored quinoa (around half a cup?)
• one apple chicken sausage link
• sliced organic red pepper
• handful spinach
• drizzle of black cherry balsamic 
• sprinkle of feta and parm

How to do it...

1. place 1 cup quinoa in 1 1/4 cup water, bring to light boil, then let simmer on low, covered for 30 min.
2. slice and saute chicken sausage in wok
3. add peppers to wok once sausage warmed and cooked through, cook until tender
4. throw handful of spinach in a bowl
5. throw quinoa and sausage/pepper mix on top
6. drizzle with balsamic
7. top with cheese

This is a keeper! Enjoy.

Don't forget to check out the ICEdot blog!!!