quinoa Archives | butter loves company

Warming Turkey Quinoa Poblano Chili is your answer for cold days, game days and all the days you want to curl up with some ‘healthier’ comfort food. Also, it’s perfect for feeding a group!

I’ve made this easy turkey chili recipe a handful of times within the past year and, each time, Greg and I seem to be surprised by how delicious it is. The more I think about it, though, the more I’m surprised that we’re surprised. With tender turkey, mildly spice from the poblanos, and slight nuttiness of quinoa all simmered with the heat of chili powder and cayenne, plus a touch of sweet from cinnamon and cloves, this dish has so many comforting flavors. When topped with creamy avocado, tangy lime and a dollop of cooling Greek yogurt, you really can’t go wrong with this not-surprisingly delicious turkey chili.

While this chili is a great alternative to the traditional beef chili when celebrating game day, you could also make a batch to have for lunch throughout the week. I bet you could even make this one vegetarian if you wanted to sub out the turkey for a variety of different beans and the chicken broth for a vegetable broth.

Depending on your brand of chili powder and the specific poblano peppers you use, the heat level can vary. If you are wary of spice, I would recommend starting with about half of the chili powder and then adding more to taste.

No matter how much rest and relaxation I get over a weekend, when Monday comes, I feel like I always have a tough time kicking it into gear. I wonder if there has been any scientific research done on the physical affects of Mondays?

I knew I’d feel like a slug bug today after a weekend that consisted of lots of heavy, not the best for me, food (think fried chicken, tacos, movie theater popcorn, lots of homemade marshmallows). My body was craving something fresh and crisp in a serious way.

To pick me up, dinner tonight was this tasty Asian Quinoa Salad filled with crunchy veggies—a light, fresh, meat-free salad that won’t leave you bored after a few bites.

I’ll definitely be making it again to keep in the fridge for lunches throughout a busy week. I can also see myself making it as a side dish at a party because it meets a range of dietary guidelines; it’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free (if made with tamari rather than soy sauce).

The “it” girl of 2013: Quinoa!

asian quinoa salad

Recipe Type: salad

Author: adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped red cabbage
1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
1 red bell pepper, chopped in thin strips
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded or diced cucumber
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (dried will work fine too)
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Add water, quinoa, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Place the quinoa in a large bowl and add the cabbage, edamame, red pepper, carrots, cucumber, and almonds. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, sesame seeds, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir to combine. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.