Quinoa with Spinach

If you've been following Get Bizzy Living's facebook page, then you may already know that I recently acquired my first-ever bag of quinoa.

Check out this beaut!

I know, I know, I'm late to the party.  People have been raving about the awesomeness of quinoa for quite some time now.  But for the longest while, something about those tiny little pinhead-sized grains made me nervous.  I had no idea how to cook them, let alone what to actually do with them (okay, okay, you eat them - but with what?  And how?? How, I ask you??).

I'm glad that I finally overcame my apprehension, because these little beads of goodness are amazing.  And super good for you.  Quinoa is gluten-free, it's a great source of good protein (containing all of the amino acids), and it's rich in calcium, potassium, iron, and and zinc among other important minerals (source). Beyond that, it's thought to be wonderful for the cardiovascular system, a great antioxidant, and get this - a natural relief for migraines (source)!!!  Seriously, where has this stuff been all my life?

Suffice it to say that in the past week I have become very "keen" on quinoa. And I hope that after this post, you will be too!

I wanted to start off with a simple recipe to introduce me (and in effect, you all) to the world of quinoa.  So off I went to the Weight Watchers' recipe board, and came across this little number.  It was very easy to make, it tasted amazing, and it would pair up like a dream with basically any entree.  Oh, and it's only 3 points for a half cup serving.  And since quinoa is chock-full of essential protein, you don't need a lot to feel sated.  A win all around!

So without further ado,
I present to you...

Quinoa with Spinach

(Courtesy of Weight Watchers Online)

Printable Recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 TBSP Olive Oil
• 1 Large Uncooked Onion, minced
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced
• 1 Cup Uncooked Quinoa, pre-rinsed
• 2 Cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
• Ground Pepper to taste
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to taste
• 4 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach, coarsely chopped
• Table Salt to taste

Our crazy cast of characters.  That odd red thing in the background is our olive oil vessel.

Directions:

1.  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onion and garlic, and stir until well combined and tender (3-5 minutes).
2.  Add quinoa, stir until quinoa begins to turn golden brown (2 minutes).

3.  Add broth, pepper, and red pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil.

4.  If you have any leftover chicken broth, put it in your favorite mug, microwave it on high for a minute, and sip away!

Mmmm, soothing.  And true.

5.  Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 12-13 minutes.
6.  Add the spinach, and stir until well combined.  Cover the skillet again, and cook until everything is tender and the liquid is absorbed.  Add salt.

7.  Serve with chicken, fish, or whatever you want!  Yields about 1/2 cup a serving.

I served it with a chicken breast, because that's my M.O. these days.

For the record, I halved the recipe since I was only cooking for two.  I also omitted the garlic because I'm not the biggest of garlic fans (but I'm not a vampire, I promise).  Feel free to do the same - it doesn't seem to affect the yummy taste.

source

I can already tell that quinoa will now be a staple in Bracks' and my diet, and it makes me so very excited.

I mean, hey - it's easy to prepare, it has a plethora of health benefits, and it's fun to say.

That's a triple threat in my book.