ONE PAN MEXICAN QUINOA

Cooking with food allergies can be quite a challenge sometimes. Especially with not knowing what to eat and not being prepared. That is why I am a huge advocate for setting routines and preparing bulk meals one day a week. This recipe is dairy, gluten, and egg-free and provides 4-6 meals that can be used for lunch or dinner. Quinoa is used as the base and really adds some depth to the meal. Quinoa is a gluten-free edible seed that is a “complete protein.” It has a high nutrient value and is loaded with protein. 1 cup cooked quinoa is about 8 grams of protein. Not only is it high in protein but loaded with anti-oxidants, contains quercetin, and is considered low on the glycemic index scale. This is important because making recipes with quinoa will help to regulate blood sugar and offer sustained energy. Perfect for a go-to meal that is allergy-free! Remember, there are so many things you CAN eat, when you have food allergies!

INGREDIENTS:  

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, minced (more or less depending on how hot you like it)

1 cup organic quinoa

1 cup organic vegetable, chicken or bone broth

1 (15-ounce) can organic black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14.5 oz) can organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 cup corn chili salsa (Trader Joe’s or see recipe)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Zest and juice of 1 lime

Chopped fresh cilantro leaves (as much as you like)

Options:

1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced

2 Cooked and cubed chicken breasts

DIRECTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in lime juice, zest and cilantro.

Stir in optional avocado or chicken

Serve immediately.