Simple Quinoa and Vegetables

By MaryEllen

This protein-rich vegetarian recipe is simple to make and tasty to eat!

Ingredients

• 1 c quinoa, rinsed
• 2 c water
• 4 medium carrots
• 1 zucchini
• 8 spears of fresh asparagus
• 1 T rice wine vinegar
• 2 T olive oil
• 1 t fresh thyme, leaves removed from stem
• black pepper to taste
• Nutritional Info
• Servings Per Recipe: 4
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 294.9
• Total Fat: 13.1 g
• Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
• Sodium: 43.8 mg
• Total Carbs: 38.4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5.4 g
• Protein: 7.4 g

Details

Servings 1
Preparation time 5mins
Cooking time 17mins
Adapted from recipes.sparkpeople.com

Preparation

Step 1

Place water in a small covered saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add quinoa and stir. Reduce heat to a simmer and replace lid. Simmer for 11-12 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Using a "Y" shaped peeler, peel the carrots and zucchini into strips. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch sections. Steam the vegetables for 3-4 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette. Place the vinegar and thyme in a small bowl, then whisk in the oil. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
Place 1/2 cup of quinoa on each plate. Arrange a quarter of the vegetables over the quinoa and top with about 2 teaspoons of the vinaigrette.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Because quinoa is a seed, it contains more fat and calories than a similar volume of rice or another grain.