Monday, July 11, 2011

Farmer's Market Quinoa

Someone got a haircut today.
A.DOR.A.BLE.
One more... she tried to take out her hairdo and managed to make herself even cuter. If that is possible.
I had to pry my own hands off the camera so I could make dinner. She's just so darn photogenic. Anyway, I made an oldie but goodie for us tonight. This recipe is super versatile and you basically can throw in any veggies from the farmer's market or produce section.
Farmer's Market Quinoa
(Print Recipe)
Adapted from FatFree Vegan

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
4 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups chopped fresh vegetables (my selection included summer squash, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, red pepper, yellow pepper, and peas)
1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup almond milk
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup minced fresh basil
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Cook quinoa according to package directions, replacing water with vegetable broth. Put a little oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute. Add all the veggies and saute 10 minutes or until slightly tender. Add the can of diced tomatoes (with the liquid) and the kidney beans to the veggie mixture. Simmer 5 more minutes. Stir in almond milk, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Then add the cooked quinoa. Stir gently until well incorporated. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
I love this recipe because we change it a little bit every time we make it, based on what is in season. I love adding cubed butternut squash to this in the fall. If you like a little extra spice, add some red pepper flakes. Have fun with it- it's hard to mess up!

I'm off to go snuggle with this cute thing that has now officially messed up her stylish hairdo. Good thing she pulls off the just-rolled-out-of-bed look so well.

7 comments:

  1. That is such a super awesome colorful quinoa. Looks fantastic. I would devour it in an instant.

    My neighbour and I spent the weekend helping an elderly neighbour's "peek-a-poo" (which the groomer thinks is a shih tzu). The lady had let the animal get horribly matted to a point that it had mats all around it's body. We took the worst off and let the groomers take him in pro-bono to finish the mats next to the skin. I will always be happy to see a freshly groomed dog now.

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  2. Lilly looks adorable as always!! So now we have 2 freshly groomed pups! I purchased an $$ new comb from the groomers to help keep the mats out of Lacey's hair b/c I had to just pay an extra $25 for de-matting when she was just there, we've learned our lesson--she needs combed daily the groomer said. Quinoa looks so yummy--I'm wondering why add almond milk though--it must make it have a touch of creaminess?

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  3. Miriam- That was nice of you too help out your neighbor's dog! I know it can get bad fast- Lilly can't go longer than 8 weeks without going to the groomer.
    Lisa-The milk is for a touch of creaminess but it is definitely optional, I have left it out before and it was just as yummy. Yes, the mats can get awful! That's too bad they had to de-mat her! At least she came out looking adorable. Lilly's have been really bad a few times but we just said to shave her and skip the de-mating. She seems to be fine now as long as we go every 8 weeks- no longer!

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  4. just wanted to let you know that i love your photography. sooo beautiful. especially of nature!!
    your quinoa loks fabulous. i love all the veggies and flavors you have in there :D. have a great day!

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  5. Thank you so much Junia! I am glad you are enjoying it!

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  6. That looks wonderful! And your dog pictures totally cracked me up.

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  7. She is a pretty funny little dog! And I love that quinoa dish, especially the fact that you can really add anything to it!

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