Quinoa - KEEN WHAA????

That's how my kids pronounce it KEEN WHAA? We made a couple of dishes with the packet of quinoa we purchased (approx. $5) today and no, it's not cheap however I did make 2 meals out of the 1 packet. I have had my moments with quinoa, with it's peculiar taste however now I double and triple rinse it and cook it in either stock for savoury meals or natural fruit juice for breakfast meals. Our kids are loving it and tonight's meal got 2 plate serves.

BTW here are some gorgeous tulips I drive past every day on my way to school pick up!!! I'm loving Spring and the colours of these beautiful flowers....

Workout

Completed my FYM workout and managed to do 4 sets although I did rush the last few as we were running a bit behind with our morning routine. 

Transformation Kit workout A ~ equipment a mat and 2 DB
I felt both the renagade row and shoulder press this morning, I love doing my arms. I plan on doing my run tomorrow which I am hoping to get to bed early, so I have the energy to get up early and "actually" do it!

Breakfast

Corn flakes with bananas and walnuts

Morning snack

yogurt with fruit

Lunch

2 fried eggs with spinach feta and polenta bread

Afternoon snack

hummus dip with vegetable sticks

Quinoa what is it exactly?  Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) is a highly nutritious gluten-free grain. This ancient grain contains more protein than any other grain, with a good balance of all 8 essential amino acids, making it a good choice for vegetarians. Quinoa is also high in fibre and has a low-GI, beneficial for keeping blood sugar levels stable. Quinoa is an ideal grain for diabetics.

We enjoy it from time to time and for a change when we want to replace our typical pasta meals or mix up our morning cereals.

For some of my readers who wanted to find out how I cook my quinoa, here is my process. 

How to cook quinoa until it's light and fluffy

I thoroughly wash/rinse my quinoa. That's the key and for every cup, I cook it in boiling water (or your of choice whether cooking a savoury or sweet dish eg: stock or fruit juice) for 15 minutes, then drain and allow to absorb on a tea towel or paper towel. 

I simply then fluff it up with a fork and it's so light and fluffy to add to any dish.

Dinner

Chicken & parmesan quinoa bake

Ingredients

500g Chicken thighs

1 tin diced tomatoes

1 cup of cooked quinoa

1 onion finely diced

3 crushed garlics

Bag of spinach

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

handful of parsley

S&P

Olive oil

splash of soya sauce/balsamic vinegar

4tbs ricotta cheese

handful of mozzarella and parmesan cheese

Method

1. Heat olive oil and sauté onions with garlic, once soft and golden add chicken (season with oregano, basil, cumin S&P) allow to cook for 10 minutes, add splash of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Cook for a further 5 minutes. 

2. Add can of tomatoes and spinach (or any other vegetables you prefer)

At this point you can serve the quinoa and chicken together as is, however our kids love the cheesy factor so I layered the casserole dish with 1/2 the quinoa/chicken mix, then sprinkled mozzarella, parmesan cheese and repeated again with the remaining quinoa/chicken mix a few tablespoons of ricotta and then the 2 cheeses. Bake for approximately 15 minutes in 200-180C degrees oven or until golden brown.

It was amazing!!!! I can't wait to have the left overs for lunch tomorrow. Until then, I hope you are going well, eating clean and keeping fit!

Xx Dani