GREY MATTER LIFE

I have discovered a new culinary love and must have. Quinoa. I finally picked up my bag of Organic Quinoa at Costco and I have fallen in love. I’d been eyeing it for a while, wasn’t sure if we’d like it, but finally tossed the bag into the cart and gave it the old college try. Guess what? We love it and damn if I wasn’t just tremendously pissed off that it hadn’t come home with me earlier! 

If you already eat the stuff, why didn’t you tell me about it?!? If you haven’t tried it, I beg you to get it… really,  it’s awesome! 

A 100% whole grain, Quinoa is an awesome source of protein and has all eight essential amino acids as well as being high in iron, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and fiber.  Who doesn’t need more of all that everyday!

There are different ways you can prepare and serve it and I’ll leave it up to you to decide how you like it, but here is how we fell in love with it! 

Mixed Greens Salad with Quinoa, Avocado & Thai Sweet Chili Grilled Shrimp
Organic Spring Mix Greens
Diced Avocado
Quinoa, toasted and cooked with Organic Chicken Broth
Shrimp: Grilled with a Thai Sweet Chili Glaze

Arrange the greens, top with avocado, spoon a serving of Quinoa over salad and top with grilled shrimp. Simple!!!

I didn’t use a dressing since each ingredient brings enough flavor and texture to the plate, but if you must have a dressing… here’s a rocking dressing my husband Paul came up with and is a staple in our fridge. I’ve added some suggested variations for salad that we’ve made with it if you care to try the dressing.

Honey Ginger Sesame Dressing
Zest and Juice from 1 small Orange or Clementine
2-3 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Ginger
1-2 Cloves Minced Garlic (can be adjusted for garlic tolerance)
1 Small Shalot Minced
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Honey (or more to taste)
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds

Combine all ingredients except toasted sesame seeds with immersion blender. Stir in sesame seeds to finish.

Alternate Salads to use with the Honey Ginger Sesame Dressing:

Organic Mixed Greens, Organic Baby Spinach or Shredded Napa Cabbage with any or all of the following:
Shredded Carrot
Diced Green Onion
Avocado
Toasted Almonds
Mandarin Oranges
Grilled Shrimp, Chicken or Steak
QUINOA!!!!
Cilantro
Homemade fried wonton strips (so easy!)

Give it all a whirl, be adventuresome, cook outside the box, eat healthy and most of all MAKE QUINOA and enjoy!

From Two Happy Bellies in Atlanta,

Cheers!