This is one of my “go to” vegetarian favorites when looking for a light lunch or dinner. Quinoa is a great source of protein and can leave you energized, balancing it all with a serving of greens and the sweet touch of cranberries with their anti-oxidants and delicious flavor. Serve it warm or cold, but if time allows, prepare it a day in advance as this is one dish that definitely benefits from an overnight rest to allow all the flavors to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 cup water
¾ cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
½ tsp sea salt
Zest from 2 oranges
1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
½ small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup dried cranberries (or golden raisins)
1 cup cooked chick-peas (or canned organic chick-pea/garbanzo beans)
1 ½ lbs spinach leaves, trimmed, rinsed, and dried (chopped, which s/b about 6 cups)
Sea salt to taste
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
1 orange, cut into wedges
Directions
1. Rinse the quinoa well and drain in a fine mesh sieve or strainer. Combine the water, orange juice (to equal 1 ½ cups) and bring to a boil in a 1 ½ – 2 quart saucepan. Add the salt, orange zest, and the rinsed quinoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes. Turn off the burner and let sit for 20 -25 minutes, covered, until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa fluffs with a fork.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet that has a tight fitting lid. Add the onions and sauté over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, until they have softened and started to brown. Add the garlic and sauté until golden.
3. Add the dried cranberries, chick-peas, and chopped spinach. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or just until the spinach has wilted. Adjust heat if necessary. Drain any excess water after cooking the spinach, then season to taste with sea salt.
4. To serve, fold the vegetables into the hot, cooked quinoa. Stir in cinnamon. Garnish with the toasted pine nuts and orange wedges for a final squeeze of orange juice.
Serves 4
Total Prep/Cook time: 30 minutes
