Keen…WHAT?!
I think that is what I said the first time I heard someone say quinoa, correctly that is. I was pronouncing it kin-noah. And I certainly was not eating it.
That is until I saw my best friend serving it to her toddler who was gobbling it up and asking for seconds. Pretty awesome considering it’s nice and healthy. (Fiber, folate, magnesium, protein…)
I tried it –and also wanted seconds. Yum. She had made a Mexican version, but it involved chopping, sautéing, etc. so I opted to make this embarrassingly easy version I have dubbed Southwestern Quinoa. Creative, right 
?!
Give it a try. What do you have to lose except a few minutes….?!
Oh and you can be officially trendy, since 2013 is apparently dubbed The Year of Quinoa.
Seriously.
Here’s What You Need: (Serves 4 main dishes)
1 cup quinoa + 1 1/2 cups of water
2 cups of frozen veggie, black bean and corn mix (I like the Southwest Inspired mix by Archer Farms for Target)
1/2 tsp each paprika + cumin
3-4 TBS salsa (I like the Organic Cilantro salsa from Archer Farms for Target)
Handful of cilantro, diced
Here’s What You Do:
Cooking the quinoa according the package instructions, adding in the frozen mix for the last five minutes. At this time also add in the paprika and cumin. Remove from heat, add the salsa, and let sit for five minutes covered. Toss in the cilantro. This is good served warm, cold, or at room temperature. You can also serve it over nachos, in a quesadilla or as the topping to a salad.
Kid Tip:
Try giving this to your kids as is. If that doesn’t work a quesadilla or a burritto is a great way to incorporate the quinoa.
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We LOVE Quinoa at our house–ok, so Tamer and I do. The boys won’t touch it??? Weirdos. =) Anyway, I make this same thing and toss in chopped up rotisserie chicken and sometimes grilled veggies. YUM! Thanks for making an even quicker way to eat it.
So good to hear from you chiquita! My moms can be super picky sometimes too!
This sounds delicious! I love how versatile this dish can be!
Thanks Jessica-agreed!
Yum! I love this variation of quinoa! Looks great!
Thanks Jennifer! I love it bc it is so easy!
This looks delicious and easy! I’ll have to try this soon!
Thanks Andrea! Let me know if you do
so healthy and yet delicious. I love how you do that!
Awww thanks Jessica!
OH YUM! I love the idea of this dish. I make something fairly similar. It makes such a quick meal.
Oh you’ll have to shoot me the recipe!
Mmm..! I saw a southwestern quinoa in my Gourmet Cookbook the other day and I’ve been dying to give it a try! Yours looks awesome, love all those spicy flavors (I’m a huge cumin fan!), great healthy dinner!
Thanks Kristina! This one is super, super easy