Quinoa surprise recipe

December 6, 2009

Based out of Chamonix Leah is a holistic therapist with a passion for cooking. Having sold her Spa business in Australia she moved out to Chamonix in persuit of adventure and quality of life. Leah is now actively involved in the Choclo project using her aroma therapy skills to create the amazing blends for Choclo project's massage and bath oils. If you have ever had a massage from Leah you will realise that she has a gift for understanding people and what they need. Oils ain't oils as Leah always says. Enjoy the recipe.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Recipe

6  red capsicum
3  Eggplant
4  Zucchini
5 cloves of garlic
lemon juice de pipped
olive oil
Quinoa 6 cups
6 onions

A Hearty delicious healthy meal to be enjoyed any time and the recipe is as versatile as you are.

Pre heat oven to 250.

Slow cook onions in frying pan with olive oil and when caramelised add garlic salt and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
When peeling garlic best to smash first with a flattened knife this makes peeling easier. I also suggest removing the green centre as this is the part of the garlic that causes smelly breath and if someone is allergic to garlic this little guy is the culprit!
Toss in chopped zucchini you can remove the seeds if you wish as the seeds add extra water to the dish. I do with or without depending on how fussy I am feeling.
Once onion is looking slightly browned off remove from heat and put in bowl to add to dish at a later date. Note Zucchini should not be limp as the steam will continue to cook

Roast capsicums in the oven until the skin blackens.Turn and roast both sides remove from the oven to cool. Once cooled peel the blackened skin leaving a delicious sweet capsicum that you cut into strips.

 Cut eggplant in to cubes. Roast Eggplant with garlic and sprinkle with cumin + salt to taste.

Cook quinoa 6-8cups in a saucepan or rice cooker as you would cook rice. I like to add one organic vegetable stock cube as quinoa tends to be a little on the bland side.

Once quinoa is cooked add the pre cooked vegetables evenly throughout the dish.
I added some chopped carrot for crunch and a handful of walnuts.
If feeling like you want more sweetness in you life add a couple of handfuls of golden raisins. YUMMY!

Sprinkle herbs that you like i added dried mint and lemon juice salt and pepper.

Depending on your mood you can add chilli to the roasted eggplant whilst cooking as this gives the dish a little bite. Remember chilli = flavour enhancer.
Don't be shy!!

Lentils
Cook lentils add pre made organic tomato sauce bottled or beg an Italian friend to make for you.
Onions and Zucchini that you have precooked for quiona and lentil dish earlier.
Couple of handfuls of golden raisins,
Chilli remove seeds and chop.

Slow cook all ingredients to add flavour.

Presentation is important.
I like to eat salads with nearly all my meals so sprinkle some on your plate I used rocket. you can add a dressing if you like I like to use sweet chilli sauce bought from the Asian markets it is definitely the tastiest.
Put a large dollop of lentils and be generous with the quinoa. Place kiwi and extra walnuts on the sides of the plate.
This is a wholesome healthy dish that leaves you feeling satisfied and energised always a good combination for life!
Bon appetit
X Leah

Cooking is fun it is an expression of your personality. we all enjoy food that has been prepared with love. Eat healthy energising foods for your health and general well being. i like to prepared extra then the following day all you need to do is heat add extra ingredients fo a different dish.
Quinoa dish can be stir fired with egg add green beans and a splash of sweet chilli sauce Presto you have a new dish that took you five mins to prepare.
OR
Stuff roasted vegetable quinoa into capsicums and roast for 30 minutes Delish! Serve with yoghurt mint and cucumber add lots of garlic.
BE creative go crazy and most of all HAVE FUN!

FREESTYLIN as Roland would say xx

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