quinoa salad with black beans and corn

Ok, there are not enough words to describe how good this quinoa salad is. In fact, I won't even try to think of worthy adjectives. Just know this: Since I first tasted this a week and a half ago, I have made it three times. Thrice. It is so good and hearty and chewy and satisfying and healthy. Hmmm. I guess those are pretty worthy adjectives after all.

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
1 cup frozen sweet white corn
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and garlic and saute until lightly browned.

Add quinoa and cover with broth. Stir in cumin, cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes (or until all the liquid is absorbed).

Stir in frozen corn and black beans until heated through. Remove from heat and add chopped cilantro. Serve warm, room temperature or cold. Whatever floats your boat.

zucchini corn quesadillas

David sent me a text today that read, "Let's try to eat vegetarian most of this week." Yipee! I do like eating less meat and I also enjoy the challenge of finding tasty, easy, meatless recipes. This was delicious and easy. Stay tuned for the side dish (which was my favorite part and of which I made a huge batch so I can eat it all week - it's THAT good).

2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced thinly
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup frozen sweet white corn
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
4 flour tortillas
Shredded jack and cheddar cheese
Sour Cream, for serving
Salsa, for serving (see tip)

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a medium saute pan. Add onions and garlic and saute 2 minutes. Add zucchini and saute until soft and caramelized. Add frozen corn and saute until hot. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.

Heat saute pan over medium heat. Divide zucchini mixture between two flour tortillas. Layer with shredded cheese and top each with a remaining tortilla. Add quesadilla, one at a time, until crispy on the bottom and carefully flip over until the other side is crispy as well. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Tip: in a pinch here's how I improve on store-bought salsa. I trick I learned from my sister-in-law. Pour a good amount of Pace salsa (or whatever you have) into your Magic Bullet (trust me, it's worth it) along with a handful of cilantro and a squeeze of lime (or not). Blend until smooth. It's delicious.

artichoke tomato penne

This was a cinch to make. Really easy and light. Of course, we had to use artichokes to meet our "A" requirement for the Go See Do project (see here) and this turned out pretty good.

12 ounces oil marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
kosher salt and pepper
2 Tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
12 ounces cooked penne pasta
Parmesan-Reggiano cheese (to taste)

Drain the artichokes, reserving the oil and halve them lengthwise.

Heat 3 Tablespoons of the artichoke oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions and garlic and saute over medium low heat. Saute for 10 minutes and stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes.

Add the reserved artichoke hearts with the remaining oil marinade and stir while simmering for another 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked penne until well combined. Adjust the seasonings as needed and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated cheese.

pasta a la caprese

This was super easy and super delicious. I just happened to have all the ingredients in my fridge which was rare since I don't normally keep fresh basil and fresh mozzarella around the house. I'm glad I did though because dried basil and regular mozzarella wouldn't have been as good. By the way, unless you grow your own fresh basil I recommend buying it at Trader Joe's. Their's is good and very inexpensive.2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
10-12 cherry tomatoes, washed and cut in half
10-12 large basil leaves
2 large fresh mozzarella balls, diced
1/2 pound pasta of your choice (bowtie, penne, fusilli, etc.)

Set a pot of water on to boil. Add a bit of salt and boil the pasta until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Add the tomato halves and cook until they burst and the skins somewhat caramelize. Pour in the drained pasta and stir until combined. Remove from heat and add diced mozzarella and basil. Season with salt and pepper. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for more flavor.