Solo Mother

Cheap eats for single mothers

by christina on May 20th, 2007

Food at our house has to meet a whole bunch of requirements, key among them includes cheap, fast, and healthy. One of my favorite grains is quinoa, pronounced keenwa It is a complete protein, unlike pasta and rice, and so it fills my requirements for low-carb for my sedintary behind and high protein for my growing boy. Great source of Omega 3’s. Tasty. Easily paired with veggies, beans and meats.

Quinoa is a supergrain. It’s easily grown, and can survive a wide range of climates; it’s also much gentler on the environment than wheat and other grains. Lower in allergens, etc. Basically? It rocks, and should be a staple in our diets, much more than white bread and pasta.

Tonight, I whipped up a single pot meal of quinoa, black beans, mixed bell peppers and corn. If I’d had spinach, I’d have mixed that in, as well. Want the recipe?

1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken stock
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp sweet paprika
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup frozen or fresh mixed bell peppers, diced
1 cup frozen spinach
1 14 oz. can black beans

Rinse the quinoa in a small-gauge seive and drain well. Spread the quinoa evenly across the bottom of a dry, hot skillet and toast, stirring frequently, until the grains are aromatic and skitter across the pan. In a medium pot, combine stock, garlic and seasonings, and bring stock to a boil. Stir in toasted quinoa, and bring mixture to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 16 minutes. At 13 minutes, add rest of the ingredients and recover. Allow to rest for five minutes before serving. You might have to cook it a little longer if you use frozen vegetables. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream, salsa. Hot sauce is a great addition.

Tags: single mother, single mom, single mommy, fast food, quick recipes, cooking, single pot cooking

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