Quinoa With Vegetables And Herbs

Quinoa is a seed that can be prepared like whole grains such as rice and barley.  It is classified as chenopod and closely related to species such as beetroots and spinach.
Quinoa has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years in South America. It was staple of the Inca civilization.  It contains more protein than most grains, and it possesses all of the amino acids necessary for protein metabolism, unlike grains that have to be consumed with other foods to unlock their nutritional contribution. It is gluten and cholesterol free.  Quinoa possesses wholesome taste and it's texture is crunchy, with individual seeds piping when chewed.
Easy to cook than most whole grains it is ready in just 15 minutes. Before cooking you need to rinse it very well, to get rid of the mildly toxic protective layer (called saponin), which is unpleasantly bitter. Then bring to a boil in water and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
You can use quinoa in various dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today I decided to share with you a recipe that I've tried for quinoa with vegetables.

Here is my easy, healthy quinoa recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.

Servings:4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 medium zucchini chopped
• 2 cups chopped mushrooms
• 1 chopped carrot
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon basil
• juice from 1 lime (lemon)
• 1-2 teaspoons chopped green onion

Directions:

1. Rinse quinoa. In a saucepan bring quinoa and 2 cups water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa absorbs water. Season with some salt at the end.
2. Meanwhile heat oil in a skillet over medium meat. Add garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, thyme, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook, stir frequently, until vegetables are tender and golden around the edges,  for about 10 minutes. In a bowl combine vegetables and quinoa, add lime (lemon) juice and add more salt if needed. Add some green onion on top and serve.