C – Quinoa is my favorite non-meat protein.
It’s a complete protein containing nine amino acids, fiber, iron, lysine, magnesium and riboflavin. It is definitely a super food. Or a super grain, to be precise. I love quinoa. A grain that doesn’t really act like a grain.
It’s really filling and makes me feel like I am eating rice. But, it’s a lot better for me. Such a winning combination. It’s not heavy in your stomach and doesn’t have a starchy feel when you eat it.
I also love how quinoa has been going down in price as it becomes increasingly popular. The best part is, it cooks really fast. Fifteen minutes and you’re done. It’s one of those foods that I could eat every day. You can do a lot with it. Cereal, granola, savory cakes and burgers. You can eat it all by itself, or as a side dish. My favorite way to eat it is with lots of vegetables.
This recipe is full of carrots, asparagus, onions and mushrooms. It’s so fast, too. About 20 minutes of cook time and 10 minutes prep. I love the different textures in this dish. Crunchy quinoa, carrots and asparagus, along with the soft onions and mushrooms.
| Carrot, Asparagus and Mushroom Quinoa Salad |
- 2 cups Qunioa, cooked according to package instructions.
- 4 asparagus stalks, cut to ¼ inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1½ cups chopped mushrooms
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large saute pan on medium high heat, place in oil and carrots. Cook for three minutes until carrots are soft.
- Add red onions. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Add mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add asparagus. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add oyster sauce and mix well.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add quinoa. Mix well. Taste add more seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle green onions.
- Serve.
- Enjoy!
The taste is perfect too. Not saucy or dry. It has just the perfect amount of moisture. It’s great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, great for those vegetarian and vegan friends. Just don’t use the oyster sauce, if you are serving to them.
Try this. I never want to go back to rice again. It’s so good.
Reference information from: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4994/7-Benefits-of-Quinoa-The-Supergrain-of-the-Future.html