Spanish Quinoa

Spanish Quinoa

Are you ever looking for a healthier, high protein grain besides rice to add to your meals?  Well, quinoa is an awesome way to go!  Just like rice, quinoa does not carry much flavor, so it is up to the add ins to create the taste.  This particular recipe is great as a side or as a filler to burritos and tacos too.

First, cook your quinoa as directed- typically you will double the liquid to the amount of quinoa you are making.  You can use either water or chicken stock- I prefer the chicken stock as it adds that extra flavor right away.  For half a cup of quinoa, add 1 cup of liquid.  Combine all at the same time in a saucepan and stir occasionally- let it boil and it will be done once your liquid has dissolved.

In a separate pan, heat about 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium to high heat.  Add in 1 medium onion- chopped, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and about a cup of chopped peppers ( I used yellow and red- green is a great option too).  Cook until the vegetables are tender.  

I then added 3/4 can of V8 to the saucepan- if you have tomato sauce, that will also work.  I added 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp cumin.  Stir and combine.  

I then added my quinoa and let the flavors mix into the grain with 2 sliced tomatoes.  After all the flavors and ingredients have mixed well, remove from heat and serve!