Spiced Vegetable Quinoa with Vegetables

Did you know Quinoa, a seudo grain native to South America, is a relative of spinach, beets and the tumbleweed? Its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice, and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods. It is a good source of dietary fiber (7g per serving) and phosphorus and is high inmagnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. (from Wikipedia).

Quinoa is very easy to cook, it takes only 15 minutes which is basically the same amount of time as white rice, with many more health benefits! It's also very versatile, like rice, and can be served hot or cold!

I served this quick and easy spiced quinoa with broiled salmon, but it would do just as well with pretty much anything or even on its own!

Spiced Vegetable Quinoa with Vegetables.

Serves 4

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes (during cooking)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Printable Recipe

Ingredients
1 cup of quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp salt
ground pepper to taste
pinch dried chili flakes
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup each chopped -- cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, black olives (pitted and rinsed), onion

Directions

1. Combine water and quinoa in a small sauce pan.
2. Add salt, pepper, cumin, tumeric, chili flakes and oil, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. After aprox 5 minutes of cooking, add onion to the pot.
4. Continue to cook, covered, for the remaining time then let stand off heat, covered for 5 minutes. While quinoa is cooking, chop remaining vegetables.
5. After 5 minutes, uncover and add veggies to the pot.
6. Stir to combine.

The quinoa is ready to serve!