Quinoa with Kale

At last year's Thanksgiving, when my mom asked if I would make a quinoa dish, I just stared at her blankly.  One, I had no idea what she said.  Two, whatever it was, it didn't sound like it belonged at Thanksgiving.  She explained that it's a grain that's really healthy for you.  My disinterest continued.  Thanksgiving is supposed to be about consuming as many calories as possible, not making sure your digestive track is in order.   But in the last few months, my boyfriend and I decided we needed to start a healthier routine.  I finally decided to try quinoa, whatever it is.  Surprisingly, it's pretty amazingly delicious when done well.  This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I've been making it about once a week.

Ingredients

- 1 TBL EVOO

- 1 or 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

- 1 medium white onion, chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1/4 tsp freshly ground coriander

- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

- 1 cup rinsed quinoa

- 1 1/2 cans low sodium vegetable broth (about 20 oz)

- salt to taste

- 1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed

- 2 TBL golden raisins

- 1 bunch of kale, chopped into 1 inch wide pieces

- 2 TBL pine nuts

- 1 tsp lemon juice

- fresh feta cheese

You'll need a deep sauce pan with a lid for this.

1. Heat the oil in a sauce pan.  Add carrots and onion and sautee until onion is soft (about 5 minutes). 

Step 1

2.  Add the garlic, coriander and pepper flakes. Stir and heat for another minute.

Step 2

3. Add the quinoa.  Mix and allow to toast slightly (about 3 minutes).

Step 3

4. Add the broth, garbanzo beans, raisins and salt.  Mix.  Place the kale on top of everything (don't mix it it), and allow to come to a strong simmer.  Cover and cook about 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.

Step 4

5. Remove from heat.  Add the pine nuts and lemon juice and mix everything together.  Serve in bowls and sprinkle with feta.

Step 5

Cooking notes:  this recipe makes about enough for 2 people to have just this as a meal, or as a side for 4.  If you want to cut the recipe in half, just cut the quinoa, broth and kale measurements in half. 

Enjoy!