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Southwestern Quinoa

Quinoa is not only a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids, it’s also gluten-free. This light and delicate grain has a delicious nutty flavor that is perfect for summer weather. The type of chile is up to you. For a milder flavor, choose an Anaheim green chile; pasillas or jalapeños will give more of a bite. You may use spinach rather than kale or chard. If you find that your greens emerge browner than you’d like, move them down a layer and top with the bell pepper instead.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 2

Ingredients

Olive oil spray
3/4 cup quinoa
1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable) or water
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 to 3/4 pound beef or turkey, tenderloin or ground
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 scallion, white and green parts, sliced
1 green chile, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
1 small summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
3 or 4 kale or Swiss chard leaves, stemmed and roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup salsa, optional

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 450°F.

    Step 2

    Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

    Step 3

    Pour in the quinoa. Add the liquid and cumin and stir to dissolve the cumin and evenly coat the grains. Add the meat and sprinkle with the salt, scallion, and chile.

    Step 4

    Add the squash in a layer, followed by the bell pepper.

    Step 5

    Top with the greens, making certain none hangs over the edge. If using, pour the salsa over all.

    Step 6

    Cover and bake for about 35 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 7

    Calories: 402

    Step 8

    Protein: 14g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 56g

    Step 10

    Fat: 11g

    Step 11

    Cholesterol: 86g

    Step 12

    Sodium: 268mg

    Step 13

    Fiber: 7g

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