One pot quinoa dish

I want to share with you one of my favorite dishes.  It is quick, easy, nutritious, and clean.  Best part.....its versatile and delicious!!  I was introduced to quinoa (KEEN-wah) a couple years ago through Blogilates.  I quickly became obsessed!  It is so healthy and so tasty!  But sadly, I didn't know many ways to cook it.  I came across a recipe on Pinterest that sounded amazing, so I gave it a try.  I'll share that recipe with you and the recipe for our new version of cooking it.  I'll also post the calories and nutrients.

Ingredients:
1 c. organic quinoa
2 c. organic vegetable broth
2 c. organic broccoli
1 c. shredded cheese (from block)

Add broth, quinoa, and broccoli to medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil.

Quinoa, Amaranth, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Broth 

Once boiling, cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes, or until broth has been absorbed.

Simmering

Broth fully absorbed

Stir in shredded cheese.

Do not use store bought shredded cheese.
Only clean if cheese is from a block.

Fully cooked quinoa

Serve warm.  I like to sprinkle a little bit of black pepper and cayenne pepper on mine for a nice little kick.

Add a sprinkle of cheese or seasonings

This can serve 2-4 people depending on if it's a side dish or main dish.  We usually eat this as our main and only dish, so we divide it between the two of us.  Now keep in mind, serving it as two servings makes the calories fairly high due to the cheese.  If you are worried about calorie/fat count, you could easily do less cheese (we just happen to LOVE cheese).  Four servings calorie count is 285.  Two servings calorie count is 570.  It is 49% carbs, 32% fat, 19% protein.

4 servings

2 servings

 Since quinoa costs can start to add up if you use it often and we are trying to add more/different vegetables, we've started playing around with the recipe.  Our current recipe (and what is shown in the pictures) is....

Ingredients:
3/4 c. organic quinoa
1/4 c. organic amaranth
2 c. organic vegetable broth
1 1/2 c. organic cauliflower
1 c. organic broccoli
little less than 1 c. shredded cheese (from block)

Cook as described above.  Four serving calorie count is 297.  Two servings calorie count is 594.  It is 46% carbs, 35% fat, 19 % protein.

The great thing about this recipe is you can adjust it to your tastes.  You can use any vegetables you want!  Or change up the grain amounts, use less cheese, use water instead of broth.  It's all up to you!  Enjoy!!