Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Easy Chicken and Quinoa Fry

Isn't it beautiful!
There is a wide variety of ethnicities living on the islands of Hawai'i. This makes it a mecca for all sorts of food influences. From American to Vietnamese to Japanese and obviously Hawaiian. Living there for two years; I really got the chance to explore these different types of unique flavors. It was such a great experience. So much that it is starting to show in my cooking!

This is my first recipe I've ever been able to actually call mine. (YAY!) I've never written one before either so go easy on me. Please, if you try it, let me know how it turned out. I would really love to hear from you. Now, I didn't picture the stars of the meal because we all know what chicken and quinoa look like! The ingredients are highlighted and each step is bold and underlined.

The Co-Stars


First you want to brown the chicken in the pan. I used five chicken tenderloins and there was plenty for hubby and I plus he took a helping to work. I threw the chicken in frozen and let it cook on low until it thawed then turned the heat up to medium high and added some canola oil.
Second I coated both sides of the chicken with freshly ground sea salt and black pepper and also curry powder. I'm not sure what all the differences in curry powders are but the one I used is pictured.
Third I threw in some mushrooms and chopped garlic. This is also when I added my crushed red pepper flakes but if you're not really into spicy foods the diced tomatoes with jalopeno peppers brings a good measure of heat so add as much pepper flakes as you wish. Turn down heat. Let all of those ingredients get really acquainted. About a minute or so.
Fourth I added the spinach. About two handfuls. Add the juice of half a lemon. Some more salt and pepper. Turn the heat back up and let the spinach wilt.
Fifth Add the cooked quinoa. I had cooked mine earlier in the day and had it in the fridge just waiting for its big shiny moment on stage. At this point you may need to add a little more oil. I also added a half a can of diced tomatoes with jalopeno peppers. Let everything cook together for about two minutes and guess what... YOU'RE DONE!! Plate it up and add your chopped scallions.

Only twelve ingredients people and you've got yourself a healthy, filling and tasteful meal. I steamed some yellow and green wax beans as a side dish. Once they were steamed I added some chopped garlic, salt and pepper but you can use any side dish if you want. There really isn't a need for a side dish since the chicken and quinoa have everything in it but to each his own. Enjoy!
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8 comments:

  1. This sounds great! I've been wanting to cook with Quinoa more, but not all of the recipes look that appetizing lol - pinning this for later :)

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  2. ahh this looks so good! thanks for sharing! i love the step by step instructions you gave too! i'm excited to try this! i'm excited to follow along and learn more! Come stop by mine :)

    whitney
    michaelandwhitneyweekes.blogspot.com

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  3. Sounds and looks tasty! I'm bookmarking this page with my other 'recipes to try list' :)

    I wanted to invite you to stop by our weekly weekend "Meet & Greet Blog Hop" (Friday - Monday). Come link up if you have time this weekend and join the fun!

    http://createdbylaurie.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekend-meet-greet-blog-hop_18.html

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  4. I've got hungry now, after reading this, haha :)

    www.kotrynabass.com

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  5. This sounds soo yummy! Quinoa is on my list of foods to try. I am hopping over from the GFC collective blog hop.

    Kim
    lessofmemoretolife.blogspot.ca

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  6. That looks uber delicious! I think I might be making this soon!

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  7. Hawaii has such a delightful mixture of foods, I agree. I love the way you highlighted the ingredients to make the recipe easy to follow!

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