Prep time: 5 minutes1 cup quinoa
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried basil (or 2 teaspoons of fresh basil)
½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons of fresh parsley)
½ teaspoon dried oregano (or 2 teaspoons of fresh oregano)
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or olive oil)
½ pound shrimp (cut into bite size pieces)
Salt and pepper
½ onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅛ teaspoon red-pepper flakes (use ¼ teaspoon for a spicer kick)
1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
1 can of organic tomatoes, undrained
Kale or Spinach (handful torn into bit size pieces)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Quinoa directions:
Thoroughly rinse quinoa with cold water through a fine mesh strainer until all the foam disappears. Add quinoa and chicken broth to sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered 10-15 minutes or until the liquid in absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in basil, parsley and oregano and set aside.
Shrimp directions:
Heat oil in large skillet. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté shrimp until just cooked through, approximately 1-2 minutes. Transfer shrimp with a slotted spoon to a plate and tent it with foil.
Add onion to the oil remaining in skillet, sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juice and wine. Cook for another 8-10 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Add the kale or spinach and sauté until wilted. Add the fresh lemon juice.
Return the cooked shrimp and quinoa to the sauce and cook for about 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Quinoa is a great source of protein and it has an excellent balance of essential amino acids. Quinoa is gluten-free and is often called a grain, but it is technically a seed. It provides the human body with moderate source of energy, soluble and insoluble fiber, good source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It is also a great source of minerals such as iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste; add more or less of your favorite ingredients.