Quinoa to the rescue…

Quinoa is a favorite with me.  I always try to find ways to get it into the menu at least once a week.  I mean not only is quinoa super “in” right now, but it is also loaded with tons of good stuff for you.  I mean it is naturally gluten free, it is packed with protein and it is considered a superfood…I mean anything that is a superfood has to be AMAZING!  I just love the word superfood…it kinda makes me feel like I have some superpowers.

I have used quinoa in several ways such as this quinoa enchilada casserole or this quinoa chili (yes I put quinoa in chili…it was AMAZING!) or these amazing quinoa broccoli bites.  Quinoa really has become on of my favorite healthier ingredients and I love using it in almost anything.

MJ

4 servings

Spanish Quinoa

Taking a favorite mexican inspired side dish and making it a little healthier without anyone knowing...trust me this is a quinoa dish everyone is sure to love

5 minPrep Time

25 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped finely

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp cumin

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tso dried cilantro

1 cup tomato sauce, divided

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

Directions

Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer and let sit for a few minutes to dry out

In a medium saucepan heat olive oil over medium heat

Add in onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes

Add in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until fragrant

Stir in rinsed quinoa and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often to let quinoa toast a little and to keep garlic from burning

Stir in salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, 1/2 cup tomato sauce & chicken stock

Bring to a boil

Reduce heat to a simmer and cover pot

Let cook for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender

Stir in remaining tomato sauce and let cook for an additional 2 minutes or until quinoa is thick and tomato sauce is combined

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Serve immediately with fresh cilantro if desired

ENJOY!

Notes

Each serving (about 1 cup) is 6 WW Smart Points:

Nutritional Info Calories 207 Calories from Fat 41 Total Fat 4.6g Saturated Fat 0.6g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 1212mg Potassium 546mg Total Carbohydrates 35.5g Dietary Fiber 5.4g Sugars 4.2g Protein 7.8g Vitamin A 16% - Vitamin C 13% Calcium 6% - Iron 19% Nutrition Grade A

Nutrition

Calories

181 cal

Fat

3 g

Carbs

32 g

Protein

7 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

7.8.1.2

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If you have spent much time here in Half Baked Land you know that I love mexican food, but sometimes it can be not so healthy so I have been on a quest to find some healthier options for Taco night or to go with my favorite enchiladas to where I don’t feel quite so guilty after indulging a little.  Now rice in general is not too bad for you but why not make it great for you, while still enjoying all the great flavors of your favorite side.  When you combine quinoa with tomato sauce and all the amazing spices it really does transform into a delicious side that is perfect for your favorite mexican dishes.  Even better this is a great way to get quinoa on the menu without the kids (or even some adults) knowing.  

You can also use this quinoa dish with your favorite baked fish or as a side for cajun lime chicken…it reheats great so make a big batch and you can have it for another meal later in the week.  However you decide to use it, trust me you will LOVE it and maybe even gain some superpowers in the process.  

Make everyday sparkle – MJ