March 22, 2010

Quinoa whith Beans and Corn


Do you feel the urge to cook something different tonight! Throw some cheese on top too, if you would like. Makes a complete meal and beats any preboxed one dish meal (and just as cheap).

Complements: www.beingfrugalisfabulous.com

1 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups organic chicken broth
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup corn
2 cups kidney beans
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
shredded cheese

Saute the onion and garlic in the oil over medium heat. Once onion is starting to brown, add the quinoa, broth, chili powder, cumin, carrots, salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the corn and beans, cover and cook 5 more minutes more. Add the chopped cilantro and stir. Plate the quinoa and top with cheese. Enjoy!
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2 comments:

Kristin said...

What does quinoa taste like, Anna? I have quinoa seeds that a lady gave me at a seed exchange. Is it kind of like rice?

Anna said...

Quinoa is very bitter. It is not very good on its own. I like to dry roast quinoa before cooking with it. This helps enhance its flavor and remove some of the bitter taste. I'll place it in a skillet over medium high heat and stir it around for a few minutes.

Quinoa is however a very excellent "absorber" of flavors. If quinoa is marinated in a salad or baked in a flavorful casserole it absorbs the flavors really well. I enjoy the texture of quinoa too. It has a bit of a soft crunch to it. I don't think I would compare it to rice, but it does cook the same way as rice.

The "Quinoa with Beans and Corn" recipe is (in my opinion) very good ( I ate it for lunch the next three days after we had it for dinner. I can't get enough of it :)). Although it is not a super flavorful dish (it is a bit plain). Definitely give it a try, but for a more flavorful quinoa experience you should give my "Fiesta Qunioa Salad" recipe a try. I always get a lot of comments on that one when I take it to summer BBQs.

Quinoa is not isn't my kids first choice, but with exposer and example I hope they come to enjoy it as their taste buds mature.

I hope this helps and let me know if you try a dish using qunioa!