Tex Mex Chicken and Quinoa

What's the deal with Quinoa?  It seems to be the latest super food.  Quinoa is a whole grain, but more specifically , it is an edible seed.  As for as the list of nutrients, it is high in protein, a good source of fiber and even has a bit of calcium found in it.  Overall, I would say it does fit the category of being a "super food".  It is easy to prepare and in researching, you can find a lot of different recipes.  The following is a recipe I prepared for my family.  It was the first time we had tasted quinoa, and the results were good.  We wil be trying quinoa again and will try a few different recipes as well. 

Tex Mex Chicken and Quinoa Hot Dish

Ingredients

3 tbs olive oil or canola oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 medium green pepper chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 can chopped tomatoes

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can corn, drained

1 c. quinoa, rinsed

2 c. chicken broth

1 tsp. chilli powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1 avocado, chopped (optional)

1 lime, just the juice ( optional)

2 tbs. cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.  Heat oil in pan, add chicken, onion, garlic, and peppers.  Cook until chicken is done and vegetables are fork tender.

2.  Stir in quinoa, chicken broth, beans, corn tomatoes, chilli powder and cumin.  Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until quinoa is cooked.  

3.  remove lid, add avocado and lime juice, and cilantro.Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes to allow liquid to absorb.  

Serve and enjoy!

Notes:  I adapted this from a Vegetarian recipe.  Quinoa is considered a complete protein when combined with the beans, so the meat could be left out.  I would like to try the dish with ground beef.  Also, it would be good to serve in a tortilla like a wrap for a grab and go lunch.

For more information about quinoa, check out this video:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fKLKFVCFyLM 

Happy cooking!  Leave me a coment of some things you use quinoa in, I would love to hear from you!