Are you tired of battling mealtime resistance from finicky family members? Imagine a dish so nutritious and tasty that even the most selective eaters will ask for seconds! Our Quinoa and Mixed Vegetable Medley is your ultimate solution – a magical combination that transforms healthy ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that sneaks nutrition onto the plate without any complaints. Get ready to become the mealtime hero your family never knew they needed!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and lightly toast quinoa for 2-3 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor
- Pour vegetable broth into the pan with toasted quinoa, stirring gently to combine
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid
- Simmer quinoa for approximately 15 minutes or until liquid is completely absorbed and grains appear translucent
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare mixed vegetables by chopping carrots into small, uniform pieces
- Add mixed vegetables to the quinoa during the last 5 minutes of cooking to steam and retain nutrients
- Remove from heat and let the quinoa and vegetable mixture rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- Fluff quinoa with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste
- Serve warm as a nutritious and colorful meal that appeals to picky eaters
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove the natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter and deter picky eaters.
- Toast for Flavor: Lightly toasting quinoa in olive oil before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and makes it more appealing to children.
- Vegetable Camouflage: Chop vegetables into small, uniform pieces to make them less intimidating and easier to eat for picky eaters.
- Flavor Customization: Experiment with different vegetable combinations or add a sprinkle of cheese to make the dish more enticing.
- Texture Matters: Ensure quinoa is fluffy and not mushy by following cooking times precisely and letting it rest after cooking.
- Presentation is Key: Serve the dish in a colorful, fun way to make it more attractive to children and picky eaters.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
