Quinoa...need I say more?

We could probably all benefit from some healthy fare in our diets but the question is how to make it not taste healthy and bland, which health food can often be accused of. So, we picked a food that will taste as good as the ingredients it gets to roll around with, Quinoa.

*Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa with Lemon Dressing (4-6)

- 1 Cup quinoa, rinsed ( I did not rinse it the first time I made this, it was still good)

- 2 Tsp. of lemon zest

- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled (Ooo, a rogue health recipe, I actually use 1/2    Tbsp of butter and add more olive oil)

- 1 Tbsp. of olive oil

- 1Tsp. of sugar

- 1/2 Tsp of salt

- 1/4 Tsp of pepper

- 1 (14oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained

- 2 Medium tomatoes, diced

- 4 Scallions, chopped

- 1/4 Cup chopped cilantro

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add quinoa and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.

2. In the meantime combine lemon zest, juice, butter, olive oil, sugar, salt and  pepper and wisk, wisk, wisk. Set aside and make it wait!

3. Drain the quinoa, reduce the heat to low and cook, covered until fluffy, about 5 minutes (The two times I made this I only covered and continued to cook once because the other time it was already fluffy after boiling…use your judgment)

4. Remove from heat and toss with dressing and then let it roll around with the remaining ingredients.

Oooo, saucy!

5. Done and done! Serve hot, at room temperature or even coldJ 

I'm getting healthier, I can just feel it!

This wonderful concoction was adapted from a recipe found from The Kitchn.
                                 Drink Pick: June Bug Riesling 

* This dish goes wonderfully with the Grilled Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon with Chili Lime sauce!