Eating healthy food can be a challenge specially when ready-to-eat, mostly processed food are available and of course, more convenient to serve to your family. But then I decided that I would at least somehow exert an effort to prepare healthy meals for my family. So I started off by trying quinoa.
Quinoa (pronounced as keen-wa) means “the mother grain”. Ironically, it looks like grain but its actually seed. It’s high in iron and has a distinctive flavour and fluffy texture. It makes a tasty choice or substitute for casseroles, pilaffs, and even salads.
I love that I can eat quinoa to replace my rice, pasta and other carbs without the struggle of changing my diet. So I’m sharing my imbento recipe of quinoa that’s healthy and delicious!
Here’s wachunid:
2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 medium sized onion; chopped, 4 cloves garlic; chopped, 1 medium sized red bell pepper; chopped, 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup corn kernel, 1 medium sized zucchini chopped and grilled chicken breast chopped.
I have left over grilled chicken breast so I figured I add it to the mix. The marinate we did for it includes thyme, salt & pepper and a lil’ paprika and cayenne pepper (because I like it spicy).
Prepare the ingredients and chop accordingly. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under running water or by putting it in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes then strain afterwards.
It’s really simple to cook this dish. It’s all about adding and piling up all the ingredients together!
1st step: After rinsing the quinoa, heat it in a hot pan and stir until it becomes translucent then set aside. Others would bring it to a boil and drain the excess water. If you don’t have any preference on how to cook it, just follow the instructions in the packaging.
Step 2: Heat oil and sauté garlic, onion and red bell pepper. Then add the grilled chicken.
Step 3: Add the zucchini and corn and sauté until zucchini appears a bit translucent (cooked).
Lastly, add the quinoa and season with salt & pepper to taste.
After following the three easy peasy steps, you now have a healthy dish!
You can top it off with parmesan cheese and parsley flakes.
You can also choose to use other vegetables such as carrots, chayote, and broccoli. I actually tried cooking quinoa with broccoli and carrots and it was equally delicious! 🙂
Surprised that my kids also loved it!
Quinoa with zucchini and corn with some left over grilled chicken breast. So healthy, so yummy!
Transitioning to healthy food isn’t a challenge when you know you can use healthy but delicious ingredients. I think I’m addicted to quinoa and wouldn’t mind skipping rice with it.
Here’s to project abs! Hahahaha. Have you tried quinoa or other healthy ingredients? How was it? Share away by leaving a comment on this post.
Happy Hump Day!
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