{meatless mondays : rainbow quinoa w/ volcanic garlic and heirloom tomatoes}

quinoa dishes are great for many reasons.  one thing i love about them is they are great served hot or cold.  quinoa is a wonderful source of protein and it is even a complete protein which means it contains all 9 essential amino acids.  this makes it particularly good for vegans or vegetarians.  i also love quinoa because i find it sustains my active body for a good while.

i whipped up a quick batch to take to lunch for a few days using my amazing volcanic garlic, 1/2 a sweet onion, and 1 medium beautiful heirloom tomato.  

it’s important to rinse quinoa prior to cooking.

then, simply use the ratio of 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water.  combine and bring to a boil over medium to high heat.  once the germ begins to separate from the grain, reduce heat and simmer gently until fully cooked –  takes about 15 minutes or so.

meanwhile, to prepare the sauce, begin by sauteing 1/2 chopped sweet onion.  next, add in about 6-7 cloves of chopped or diced volcanic garlic… once those are nice and toasty, finish by tossing in the chopped tomato and simmer, adding a little water or white whine to deglaze…

then, when ready, marry it to the cooked quinoa…

while still hot, glob in a hefty scoop of fresh butter of your choice {i always opt for an organic grass-fed butter when i can –  kerrygold is my absolute new favourite butter!} and a little S&P…

i had a big bowl right on the spot!  and then saved the rest for my weekly lunches…

i chose rainbow quinoa simply because i like as much colour as possible in my food!  and it presents a lot prettier this way, don’t you agree?! 😉

happy healthy eating!

Tags: colourful, cooking, easy, eat the rainbow, eating, food, food and foto, food photography, health, healthy eating, healthy food, meatless mondays, recipes, simple, vegan, vegetarian