Sauteed Peppers, Onions & Mozzarella over Quinoa

Lately I have been looking for vegetarian options and came across a delicious pre-cooked grain from Melissa’s Produce… quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah). You’ve probably had it at your favorite healthy restaurant or even tried it at home. Once I discovered that I rather enjoyed the flavor I went searching to learn more about it. I think you’ll find it’s history and nutrition benefits as interesting as I did!

Quinoa was an important crop for the Inca Empire. They referred to it as the “mother of all grains” and believed it to be sacred. It has been eaten for thousands of years in South America and only recently became a trend food, even reaching superfood status.

NASA scientists have been looking at it as a suitable crop to be grown in outer space, mostly based on its high nutrient content, ease of use and simplicity of growing it and The United Nations (UN) declared 2013 “The International Year of Quinoa,” due to its high nutrient value and potential to contribute to food security worldwide. (Source: Healthline.com).

Quinoa contains the plant compounds quercetin and kaempferol, both of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects in animal studies. You can read more about the health benefits here. It is also very high in fiber (more than twice as high as most grains.) so if you are trying to add more fiber in your diet then pick up some pre-cooked quinoa next time you’re at the market.

This sauteed peppers and onion over cooked quinoa is my new favorite quick meal! I hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

Ingredients:

2 bell peppers – preferably orange, red or yellow

1 onion – I use half – chop

fresh mozzarella

Melissa’s Produce pre-cooked quinoa – cut them into 1/2 inch slices

favorite marinara sauce (RAO’s is amazing!)

Chop half the onion (or more if you love onions). Throw them in a warm skillet with some cold-pressed olive oil and saute for a moment or two before you throw in the bell peppers. I use about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook until soft – about 5 minutes.
While the peppers and onion are cooking, in another skillet, add some olive oil (enough to oil the pan) and add some slices of the pre-cooked quinoa. Wait until one side is golden brown – about 3 minutes. Flip to the other side and add a slice of mozzarella on top of the quinoa patty.
Meanwhile, have your favorite marinara heating up in a saucepan.
When the patties are golden brown, place on a plate. Top with the bell pepper and onion mix, pour some marinara and top with a basil leaf if you have one available.
Enjoy! Goes well with a mixed green salad.

You can find Melissa’s Produce pre-cooked quinoa here. This dish can also be made with the pre-cooked polenta Melissa’s Produce offers. Both are delicious and simple meals everyone will enjoy!