Broccoli & Cheddar Quinoa

One of our favorite comfort foods is cheesy broccoli and rice casserole. I saw this and immediately ran into the kitchen to make it for lunch. This is a super quick and healthier version of comfort food. I was amazed at how delicious it was. Quinoa is becoming a go to for me in a lot of recipes. High in protein and fiber, you just can't go wrong with this quick dish!

Ingredients:

1 C         Quinoa
1 1/2  C  Water
2 C         Broccoli
1 C         Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  -            Salt & Pepper to taste.

Directions:

In a pot/sauce pan, pour in your water. Add quinoa and broccoli and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer (stirring occasionally) for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is well cooked.
Mix in your shredded cheddar and season to taste.

So good! Enjoy!

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Kid Approved Quinoa Mini Pancakes

As part of our New Years Resolution, we promised ourselves to eat better.  We are doing just that! (And by we, I mean "I") My three year old is the pickiest child I have ever seen, so I am bound and determined to disguise his horrible eating habits with more nutritional look-alikes.

Quinoa is a high protein grain often substituted for rice. It packs a powerful punch in these delicious and satisfying mini pancakes! I absolutely love them, and my hard to please son did too! Woop woop!

Ingredients:

1 C. Flour
2 tbsp Sugar
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
Dash of Nutmeg
1 Egg
1 C. Buttermilk
1 tsp Vanilla
1 C. Cooked Quinoa
2 tbsp Butter, Melted

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and dash of nutmeg in large bowl.  In a separate bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, vanilla and butter. Wisk together and mix into dry ingredients. Fold in the cooked quinoa and mix well. Heat your pan/griddle over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or melt 1 tsp butter for cooking. Pour on desired size pancakes and cook until bubbly on top. (Edges should start getting dry) Flip and cook until done.

These go great with blueberries inside, bananas on top, and with all kinds of syrup. We often use raw local honey instead of syrup as a healthier option. Enjoy!


Bless This Damn Mess ;-)