Quick Quinoa Dinner

It was 5:20 and I was snuggling with one of my babies who wasn’t feeling well.  I had not planned dinner and I knew my people would be hungry very soon if not already.

I thought spaghetti with meat sauce would be easiest, but when I opened the fridge I remembered that I had made some quinoa yesterday and it was just sitting there.  I also had some fresh vegetables and cooked chicken breasts too.  I googled “quinoa, vegetables” and found a recipe entitled: Quinoa Primavera.  Close enough.  I didn’t even have time to read the whole recipe.  I just looked at the ingredients and the picture and thought “I can do that.”  So I did.  Here’s what we had for dinner:

Garden celery!

olive oil
1/2 chopped onion
celery...from my garden!
1 cup chopped kale
diced red and green bell peppers
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
1 diced green zucchini
2 diced yellow squash
diced cooked chicken breasts

Because I was in a hurry, I turned on the pan (and a TV show for the kids) and began a mad chopping session.  I sautéed the onions in olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.  I added each of the rest of the ingredients in order as I had them chopped and ready.

I put the cooked quinoa in a 9x13 baking dish and poured the vegetable and chicken mixture over the top.  I tossed it lightly and drizzled a tiny bit more olive oil on top.  I topped it with some shredded mozzarella.  I am still making this up as I go ...and as I put it in a 325 degree oven, I thought to myself, “I hope this turns out.”

I had my kids quickly set the table while I popped some homemade "sesame, whole wheat, flax bread" in the toaster.  I did it.  We were ready for dinner at 6pm.

Still, as I was dishing it up to each of my kids, I thought...”I have no idea how this is going to taste...I hope they eat it up and love it!”  It seemed way too healthy.  I doubted they would like it.  Seriously, quinoa? vegetables?

They loved it.  Whew!  Another night saved in the nick of time!  Jeff came home as the boys were in the tub and appreciated the healthy meal...and said it was pretty tasty too!

P.S. Cook quinoa like rice.  One cup quinoa to 2 cups chicken broth.  To add some more flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the chicken broth for fresh lemon juice.  Simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.