{"id":906,"date":"2020-01-19T20:24:13","date_gmt":"2020-01-19T20:24:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gf-veg.com\/?p=906"},"modified":"2021-12-23T00:42:45","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T00:42:45","slug":"quinoa-with-grape-tomatoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gf-veg.com\/quinoa-with-grape-tomatoes\/","title":{"rendered":"Quinoa with Grape Tomatoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cooking with Quinoa: a Nutritious Kitchen Staple<\/span><\/h1>\n

Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and fiber, contains all eight essential amino acids, and has a number of vitamins and minerals. It\u2019s also naturally gluten free. Given all these benefits, it\u2019s a wonderful grain to incorporate into your diet regularly.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Make it a Side Dish or a Main Course<\/span><\/h2>\n

This Quinoa with Grape Tomatoes dish is simple and easy to prepare. By itself, it makes a wonderful side dish or salad, or you can add protein to make it a main course.<\/strong> A few options for adding protein include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Marinated tofu.<\/b> Nasoya makes some great ready-made, organic options, such as their <\/span>Tofubaked and Toss\u2019ables lines<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Lentils.<\/strong> Not only are lentils high in protein, but they also provide added benefits from fiber, folic acid, and potassium. Rinse your lentils and cook them using 1 cup of dry lentils to 3 cups of either water or organic, low sodium vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.<\/li>\n
  • Vegetarian chick\u2019n<\/b>. <\/span>Gardein<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Dr. Praegers<\/span><\/a> both make gluten free vegetarian \u201cchick\u2019n\u201d products.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    For another delicious meal using quinoa, try the <\/span>Beyond Burger with Quinoa Salad and Hummus<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s one of my family\u2019s favorites.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Time-Saving Kitchen Tips for Quinoa with Grape Tomatoes<\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"two<\/h3>\n

    Tip #1: Use Ready-Made Quinoa<\/span><\/h3>\n

    As a working mom, I love time saving techniques, so the quinoa I choose most often is<\/span> Minute Ready to Serve White & Red Quinoa<\/span><\/a>. When I can find it, I use their <\/span>organic quinoa<\/span><\/a>. These handy little cups make meal prep incredibly simple \u2014 just microwave one cup for a minute, or two cups for 90 seconds. For this recipe, use both cups.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Another common option is instant quinoa and brown rice mixes (like those from <\/span>Seeds of Change<\/span><\/a>), which would also work well in this recipe.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you prefer not<\/em> to use instant, here are the cooking instructions for quinoa: <\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Bring 2 cups water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in 1 cup quinoa. <\/span><\/li>\n
    • Cover and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. <\/span><\/li>\n
    • Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. <\/span><\/li>\n
    • This will make about 3 cups of cooked quinoa, so you\u2019ll have leftovers after you prepare this recipe.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Tip #2: Try Stir-In Basil Paste\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

      I like to use <\/span>basil stir-in paste<\/span><\/a> in the colder months, when our own garden is asleep and fresh basil in the stores is expensive. <\/span><\/p>\n

      I<\/span>f you can\u2019t find basil paste in your store, you can simply substitute chopped fresh basil and olive oil.<\/p>\n