Mediterranean Quinoa Lettuce Boats Food

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and red, green and yellow peppers; cook and stir for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for about 2 more minutes. Stir in the quinoa, vegetable stock, and tomato puree.
• Return to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, or until quinoa grains are soft. Stir in the diced tomatoes and season with Italian seasoning. Cook until heated through, then serve.

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA LETTUCE BOATS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, green onions, mint, and feta cheese.
• Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Add to the quinoa and toss to combine. Taste for salt and pepper.
• Spoon the salad into baby romaine leaves and serve immediately.

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD IN A JAR

Steps:

• 1. MAKE QUINOA PILAF: In a strainer, rinse the quinoa under running water for 60 seconds, until water runs clear; drain. In 2 quart pan on stove top, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add onions and cook until soft. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add water, quinoa, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove lid, remove from heat, and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool completely.
• 2. COMBINE dressing ingredients in bottom of jar, stirring them with a fork. Add 1/2 cup cooked & cooled quinoa pilaf; use a fork to toss with dressing until well combined. Level out quinoa for an even bottom layer.
• 3. LAYER the salad ingredients in the order given from the bottom up. If adding greens in the pint jar option, you can pack them in to get as much as possible in the jar.
• 4. PUT A LID on the jar and refrigerate. Salad should stay fresh for approximately 4-5 days, depending on the freshness and type of ingredients used. Jars that include greens may have a shorter shelf life.
• EASY EATING. The smaller jars without the greens can be stirred and eaten right out of the jars. The jars with the greens at the top are easiest to eat if you pour them out onto a plate or bowl. The dressed/flavored quinoa serves as the dressing for greens. If you prefer more dressing, increase the amount of dressing ingredients added to the bottom of the jar.
• EAT HOT OR COLD. Although these are normally eaten cold; if you prefer a hot version, you can heat the jars (without the greens) in the microwave for 1-2 minutes; stir and eat right out of the jar.