Herbed Basmati & Quinoa

Brown basmati rice and quinoa are a match made in culinary heaven!

I used to make this recipe using regular brown rice, but after learning that brown rice has higher levels of inorganic arsenic, I try to avoid it. Learn more about brown rice's hidden danger here.

Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic is associated with an increased risk for various health problems. Basmati rice is a safe alternative. It is an aromatic, long-grain rice with a nutlike fragrance and delicate flavor. It is a safer option for your family because it contains the least arsenic. 

Quinoa is one of my favorite foods! It's gluten-free, and is high in iron, Vitamin B (including Riboflavin), magnesium, manganese, calcium, Vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium and fiber. It is considered a complete protein because it contains nine essential amino acids. When I eliminated meat from my diet, I did a lot of research regarding alternative protein sources, and quinoa takes the cake. 

This grain blend is a nice, filling side dish. It will leave you feeling full without making you feel heavy. 

Tips: Add roasted veggies to this blend for a complete meal.

Tricks: Always rinse quinoa in a small strainer before cooking with it!  Rinsing quinoa removes the natural coating, saponin, which has a bitter taste. 

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Herbed Basmati & Quinoa

Prep Time: 5 Minutes   |   Cook Time: 30 Minutes   |   Total Time: 35 Minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cup Red Quinoa, Rinsed
• 1 1/2 cup Brown Basmati Rice
• 2 cups Vegetable Broth
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder 
• 1 tsp Onion Powder 
• Sea Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Directions: 

1. In medium saucepan, combine quinoa, rice, broth, water and olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat; bring to a medium boil. 

2. Add rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir lightly. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. 

3. Remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork before serving. 

Crowd Pleasing Kale

If you've been wondering why kale is trending lately, it's because the leafy green veggie is a packed with many of the nutrients your body needs!  Kale is low in calories, high in fiber, and has zero fat. It is also filled with iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calcium. Its omega-3 fatty acids serve as an anti-inflammatory, and it contains antioxidants. 

Eating kale regularly can help protect against cancer, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. It can increase joint flexibility, jump-start your metabolism, and promote proper liver function. 

Moderation is key, but kale's incredible health benefits make it one of our favorites. You'll find a number of yummy kale recipes on this site, but this recipe is a favorite in my house. It is quick and easy, and I never hear complaints from my children. 

Tips: For added protein, add 1/2 cup of pine nuts before serving. 

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Crowd Pleasing Kale

Prep Time: 5 Minutes   |   Cook Time: 12 Minutes   |   Total Time: 17 Minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients: 

• 1 bag 16 oz Kale Greens (washed)
• 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (more as needed)
• 1 cup Yellow Onion, Chopped
• 3/4 cup Vegetable Broth
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced or Sliced Thin 
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• Sea Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Directions: 

1. Warm olive oil and garlic over medium heat in a large skillet or deep pot. Be careful not to burn garlic! 

2. Add half bag of kale to the pot, stir from the bottom to coat as much of the kale with oil as possible. The pot will be very full, but the kale will quickly cook down. Cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until there is room to add the second half of the bag. 

3. Add vegetable broth, and stir to coat kale. Cover and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. 

4. Uncover. Add red pepper flakes, sea salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and serve while warm.