Where'd the quinoa go? I was so excited about it and then never mentioned it again. Well....I was cooking with it like crazy and then got the flu (not cuz the quinoa, simply the season of germs). Therefore, I didn't feel like eating quinoa ever again. You know how that is where if you throw up you never want to eat anything again that reminds you of that time period? Anyhow. I'm over it now and am back to the whole grains. It's helped that it's the New Year, and who doesn't want to get healthy starting January 1st of every year?
I cooked up a big batch of red quinoa (found at Trader Joes) and used some for a salad and some for a soup.
Quinoa, Black Bean, Corn and Shredded Pork Soup
*recipe adapted from Rachelle's Chicken Tortilla Soup
2 big cans green enchilada sauce
2 cans black beans, rinsed (more or less...your preference)
3 cups frozen corn (more or less...your preference)
chicken stock (3-4 cans?)
garlic salt
pork roast (I get the leaner cuts)
cooked red quinoa (or white, but red is my favorite), cooked to the manufacturers directions
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
cilantro, chopped
sour cream
lime ***very important (it just doesn't taste the same without it)
Cook the pork roast. I've done it in the pressure cooker, crockpot and oven. I've done it from frozen or thawed. It all works. Let cool and shred.
In a large pot, combine enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cooked quinoa (as much or little as you'd like), shredded pork roast and as much chicken stock as you want. More if you want it brothy, less if you want it chunkier. Add garlic salt to taste. Bring to a simmer. Let simmer for a few minutes to get the flavors to mix.
Put in a bowl and pile on the toppings. Yum.
**I realize this is one of those annoying recipes where there aren't exact measurements, but it really is just made to your preference. It all works. It all tastes good. Just make it. It's super easy, and very tasty. Tastes better the next day. Freezes awesome.
Salad
greens
tomato
carrots
celery
red pepper
corn kernels
avocado
cucumber
green onions
red onions
1/2 quinoa, cooked, per serving
dressing, your choice
So basically, you make a green salad and toss in some quinoa. It's so good. Really. We ate it for dinner that night and Shad cleaned his plate.