Quinoa and Bell Peppers: A Quick Healthy Dinner

This quinoa and bell pepper dish can be whipped together in about half an hour and it's healthy and delicious. Leftovers taste even better. 

 

  Quinoa and Bell Peppers Recipe

Boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced (you could leave this out if you want a vegetarian dish)

Quinoa (follow directions on package for how to make the quantity you need for your meal)

Olive oil (use regular, not extra virgin, since you are cooking with it)

Yellow onion

Bell peppers (I use one each of red, yellow, and orange)

Tony's Creole seasoning or salt and pepper

1. Begin cooking your quinoa in a pot. I usually add some healthy chicken bouillon to the cooking liquid for additional flavor. You could also of course use chicken broth. 
2. Heat oil in a large pan.
3. Add diced chicken and begin cooking. 
4. Slice onions and bell peppers. I use a food processor, which makes the process extra speedy.
5. Add vegetables to the chicken and drizzle with additional olive oil. Don't be shy with the olive oil; it picks up the flavor of all the ingredients and nicely coats your quinoa. 
6. Sprinkle with Tony's Creole seasoning or salt and pepper.
7. Cook until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are soft but not mushy. 
8. Spoon veggies and chicken, with sauce, onto quinoa and enjoy!

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa might be considered a health-nut food by some, but whether it's a protein source for vegetarians or simply a tasty alternative to rice or couscous for carnivores, quinoa packs a healthful punch. 

Here are some compelling reasons to incorporate it into your diet, if you haven't already:

• Quinoa is a native plant of South America and was once used as an energy food by warriors to sustain them in battle or on long journeys. The ancient Incas considered quinoa sacred.
• Quinoa provides insoluble fiber, which helps maintain bowel health. 
• Quinoa is a complete protein. It's a non-dairy, non-meat rich source of protein that contains all the essential amino acids. (I often think of it as a "protein-carb.")
• Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate - that's the kind we want. 
• Quinoa provides minerals and essential nutrients including iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, B-complex vitamins, potassium, and healthy fat.
• Quinoa contains antioxidants, which boost immunity, fight infection, and help ward off cancer.
• Quinoa has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammatory ailments include Alzheimer's, allergies, eczema, asthma, heart disease, and obesity, to name a few. 

For more information on quinoa, see:
Health Guidance: Health Benefits of Quinoa
World's Healthiest Foods: Quinoa
LiveStrong: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of Quinoa