Quinoa Stir Fry With Spinach & Walnuts
Found this in Prevention Magazine, this is easy, healthy and most importantly very tasty. You can substitute any cheese for the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. I recommend a strong hard cheese, but I have used all kinds and they all work. When I'm in a rush, I leave out the walnut pieces. A great side dish or when I am really lazy, add some cooked chicken for a great meal.
Found this in Prevention Magazine, this is easy, healthy and most importantly very tasty. You can substitute any cheese for the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. I recommend a strong hard cheese, but I have used all kinds and they all work. When I'm in a rush, I leave out the walnut pieces. A great side dish or when I am really lazy, add some cooked chicken for a great meal.
- Carbohydrate 1.9575375 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 11.90835 g
- Fiber 1.30250003457069 g
- Protein 3.919175 g
- Saturated Fat 0.946698 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (32g)
- Sodium 11.417 mg
- Sugar 0.655037465429306 g
- Trans Fat 0.92044675 g
- Calories 122 calories
Step-by-step
- Place quinoa in small bowl, add water to cover, and swish to rinse.
- Pour into mesh strainer and drain well.
- Heat oil in medium skillet.
- Add quinoa.
- Toast, stirring, over medium heat until golden (about 10 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add salt and 2 cups of water.
- Heat to boil.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Spread walnuts in small skillet and stir over medium-low heat until toasted, about 5 minutes.
- Set aside.
- When quinoa is cooked, add spinach and tomatoes to skillet.
- Stir fry over medium heat until spinach is almost wilted and tomatoes are warmed, about 1 minute.
- Stir in walnuts and cheese.
- Garnish with basil.
- Serve warm.
My Go-To Quinoa Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a monumental task. Between work, school pick-ups, and the general chaos of family life, a simple, nutritious recipe is a lifesaver. That's where this quinoa stir-fry comes in. I discovered it in a magazine a while back, and it's quickly become a staple in our household. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever I have on hand, and consistently delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal, even on the busiest of nights.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are minimal, readily available, and the cooking process is a breeze. It's the perfect weeknight meal – ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with nutrients. The quinoa provides a good source of protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized. The spinach adds a boost of vitamins, while the walnuts provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. And the burst of fresh basil at the end? Pure perfection. I often use this as a side dish but occasionally add some cooked chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal. It's so adaptable!
I've experimented with different cheeses, too. The original recipe called for Parmigiano-Reggiano, and that's lovely, but I've found that a variety of hard cheeses work well. A sharp cheddar, Pecorino Romano, even a good Gruyere – they all add their own unique flavor profile. It's all about personal preference. And on those nights when I'm truly short on time, I sometimes skip the walnuts altogether. The dish still tastes fantastic without them. The key is to have fun with it and make it your own.
This quinoa stir-fry has become more than just a recipe; it's a symbol of efficient and healthy living. It embodies my desire to provide my family with nutritious meals without sacrificing precious time. It's a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy food doesn't have to be complicated. And the best part? Even my picky eaters love it!
Beyond the Stir-Fry: Adaptability is Key
One of the greatest things about this recipe is its flexibility. It serves as a wonderful blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some chopped carrots would all be delicious additions. You could also add different kinds of nuts and seeds for added texture and flavor. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even slivered almonds would complement the dish beautifully.
The beauty of this quinoa stir-fry lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a recipe that truly grows with you, adapting to your changing needs and tastes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying side dish, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, just as it has become a part of mine.
So, give it a try. I'm confident that you'll find it to be as delicious and satisfying as I do. And who knows, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal, too.
