Quinoa Pilaf (pronounced Keen-wah)

Quinoa has the highest protein content of all grains. It is also gluten free and easy to digest. As with most grains, it contains a good amount of calories and carbohydrate? so if you are watching your weight, make sure to watch your portions. Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:
1-cup quinoa
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
_ cup chopped onion
_ cup chopped carrots
_ cup chopped celery
_ cup chopped red pepper
2 cloves minced garlic
8-10 large button mushrooms, sliced or quartered
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or other herb of choice (optional)

Directions:
Add the olive oil to a non-stick skillet and place over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes ? until onions begin to turn translucent. Then add remaining vegetables (celery through mushrooms). Cook for another 5-8 minutes until vegetables just begin to soften and give off flavor and juice. Remove from heat, stir in fresh herbs, and set aside.

Place 2 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of quinoa in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until all water is absorbed and the grain is soft and translucent.

Stir veggies into the cooked quinoa and serve!

Nutrition Information per serving:
155 calories
4 grams of fat
25 grams of carbohydrate
6 grams of protein
3.5 grams of fiber

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