So far it’s been a relaxing weekend here which is nice after a busy week. I got pet beds washed, organized and did some catching up on paperwork in our office, took the dogs for a long walk, completed a few recipes, laundry, kitchen cleaning, had an extended workout at the gym, played Plants vs. Zombies 2, and snapped these gorgeous hot air balloons from our backyard.
Such a pretty view and perfect weather for it today. I’d like to ride in one at least once and thinking about it for our next wine country trip.
But I actually wish it was raining here because we need it, our weather is much warmer and dryer than it should be this time of year and that’s scary.
The pets have been enjoying the lazy day too with lots of playing and snoozing.
Tomorrow morning I have a long run scheduled as I rev up half marathon training again and quinoa seems to be my lucky pre-long-run meal, it’s energizing without being heavy or bloating. So I created an oil-free quinoa dish with a lot of flare inspired by a Moroccan bean stew.
Moroccan Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
- 3 cups of water
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. garam masala
- 1 tsp. cardamon
- 1/4 tsp. cumin
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne
- salt and pepper to taste
Place all ingredients into a large soup pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. Serve and enjoy. Makes 4 servings.
Preparing this recipe and tossing it into a soup pot is pretty easy and fast, perfect for a simple and healthy one-pot meal on a lazy weekend night or busy work night.
It has a warm and savory aroma with a spicy flare, but not too spicy. The carrots and onion add a hearty texture making this dish very filling.
Leftovers can also sit in the fridge for a few days or freeze easily
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
Your meal perfectly matched your cozy day. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen says
This is the perfect dish for leftovers! I can’t get enough of quinoa, and could eat it every day! Yummy :)
Jennifer says
Pretty Balloons! Cute kids! Lovely spices!