Going For the Grain

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a new favorite grain. So far, I have used it mostly in stuffed peppers that have been so plentiful from the garden. Below are two recipes for stuffed peppers that incorporate this quick cooking and tasty grain. It is also good for those who must follow a gluten-free diet.

Stuffed Peppers #1

1 c. quinoa
2 c. water
4 large or 6 medium green peppers
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 lb. diced fresh mushrooms
2 Tsp. butter
1 14 oz. can tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 12 oz. jar Mexican salsa
1/2 cup shredded Mozarella or Pizza cheese blend
 Preheat oven to 325. Place the quinoa and water in a 1 1/2 qt. saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook till all water is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Place peppers in microwave-safe bowl and cook 2 minutes. Check for softness. In a large skillet, saute onions and mushrooms in butter until soft. Add the can of tomatoes, the garlic, and salsa. Cook for 10 minutes. Fold in quinoa. Place peppers in dish and stuff with filling. Either place remaining stuffing around peppers or freeze for a future batch of stuffed peppers.
Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 20 minutes.

This stuffing is my favorite, perhaps because I am such a tomato and garlic and mushroom fan.

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers #2

2/3 c. quinoa
1 1/2 c. water
4-6 red bell peppers
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 diced carrots
1 small onion, diced
1 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained, or 1/2 bag fresh spinach steamed in microwave
1 can red kidney beans
2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 cup mozarella or pizza cheese blend

Preheat oven to 350. Boil 1 1/2 cups water, add quinoa. Reduce heat, add quinoa and cook for 15 minutes. Keep covered, set aside. Remove pepper tops, and seeds. Place in microwave for 2 minutes or until soft. Heat oil skillet. Add carrots, cook for 5 minutes, add onions, cook for 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and beans. Mix in quinoa and chili powder, add salt and pepper to taste. Fill peppers and place in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.

Both recipes make a ton of filling. The former is definitely my favorite although I was glad I tried the latter.
Although quinoa in a box is costly, look for it in the bulk bin of your local health food store. I found it for $2.69 lb. - a much better price than the $5.69 for a 12oz. box.