So everyone knows that quinoa is very healthy and should be added to your diet! But I have to admit it can taste a little bland sometimes…. which makes it not so appetizing. But good news!! I found a very easy recipe from one of my favourite new cookbooks! Gwyneth Paltrow’s “IT’S ALL GOOD” cookbook.
Lets start off with some of the benefits of quinoa and why you should be eating it!
- It is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat- it contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein
- Quinoa contains lysine which is essential for tissue repair and growth
- It is rich in magnesium (refer to the post on magnesium to see the many benefits)
- It contains almost twice as much fiber as any other grain-which helps reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. It can also aid in weight loss
- Quinoa contains iron which helps keep red blood cells healthy
- It is high in Riboflavin (B2) which produces energy in the body and also works as an antioxidant
- Quinoa is also high in manganese which is also an antioxidant which prevents free radical damage
Here is a vegan, and protein packed quinoa recipe
Ingredients: 
¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons of fresh finely chopped thyme
1 pound of organic crimini mushrooms, sliced
Sea salt
2 cups of cook quinoa
2 large handfuls of arugula
Freshly ground pepper
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat
- Add garlic and thyme to the pan and cook until they begin to bloom and you can really smell it! (around 30 seconds)
- Add mushrooms to the pan along with a pinch of salt and cook- stir occasionally until they have softened and browned
- Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl along with the quinoa and arugula
- Stir all of the ingredients together
- Season with salt and lots of fresh pepper
Enjoy!!
~Jamie