Cooking

Cooking has become a new hobby of mine. Living with three other girls, we each have a night to cook so that Monday - Thursday we have something nutritious and delicious to eat while only having to spend the time and money one night a week! I eat gluten free and my roommate Grace is a vegetarian so the meals we choose have to be well thought out and creative! Quinoa has recently been my grain of choice, as it is Gluten Free, and a great addition to most meals!

Here is a meal I have made and am making again tonight for my boyfriend, who also eats gluten free. I have made my additions in purple. I found it here:

Delicious Big Bowl - Quinoa Recipe

2 cups white quinoa, rinsed well
4 scant cups water
1 teaspoon salt
a few splashes of extra virgin olive oil
3 - 4 medium/large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large yellow onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, etc)
1-2 cups lightly cooked asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch segments

Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon of Pepper
Pinch of Basil or Rosemary

another splash or two of good olive oil or citrus dressing

Bring the quinoa, water and salt to a boil in a large thick-bottomed pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa opens up revealing a little spiral and is soft and pleasant to chew. If there is any remaining liquid at this point, drain it off and set the quinoa aside. Put a little extra splash of olive oil in the quinoa right after it is finished, it gives it a good flavor.

Warm a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes and a couple pinches of salt. Toss to coat the potatoes and cover for a few minutes to allow the insides of the potatoes to sweat and cook. Put rosemary or basil on the potatoes for a little extra spice.Uncover, toss again, then cook a few minutes longer (uncovered) until the potatoes start to get some color. Continue tossing every few minutes to get more color and crispness. When they are cooked through and pleasantly crunchy, season to taste with salt and scoop out onto a plate. Set aside. Add to the big pot of Quinoa

Cook the asparagus in a separate skillet. I like to add lemon juice and a bit of salt and pepper. I put the pine nuts in with the asparagus so they get a similar flavor.

In the same skillet (no need to clean) warm another splash of oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they soften up a bit.

Toss everything together in one big bowl and serve it up family-style.

Serves 4 - 6.