Quinoa is my lunch buddy. Seriously. I LOVE to have quinoa for lunch since it is such a handy combination of carbohydrates and protein. But that isn't the only reason I love quinoa. It's just so damn versatile. I can put some quinoa in a pan cook it up with whatever herbs and veggies I have on hand and BAM! Delish!
I am also a pretty big fan of the fact that quinoa cooks so fast! 15 mins and I am eating? Sign me up for more of that!
As a result, quinoa is my lunch buddy. We have lunch together more often than not these days.
On this particular day I had some spinach in the fridge that just needed to be eaten, but I wanted something more than a salad. I cooked up some quinoa, stirred in some herbs and chopped spinach at the very end and (you guessed it): BAM! Herbed Spinach Quinoa.
Not only is this little dish fast and tasty, it is so aromatic that you just want to drool. But don't drool. Just eat it.
Once I stuffed my bowl, I decided to top it with some toasted sunflower seeds and a few jicama sticks for garnish and texture. It turned out to be a really pretty lunch and I thought all of you might enjoy it too.
Herbed Spinach Quinoa
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 Tbls. finely chopped herbs of your choice ( I used basil, thyme and rosemary)
- 1 clove garlic crushed or minced
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a medium sauce pan, bring the water and quinoa to a boil.
Cover and reduce heat to a simmer for about 15 mins or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender and fluffly.
Meanwhile, toss the spinach, herbs and garlic in a large bowl and set aside.
When the quinoa is finished cooking remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Add the quinoa to the large bowl and toss.
Add salt and pepper to taste and toss again.
Serve warm with toasted sunflower seeds and jicama sticks for garnish.
