Per serving (1 bowl): 155 calories, 9g fat (1.6g saturated), 14.8g carbohydrates, 2.1g fiber, 82mg sodium, 5.3g protein
Give your mac n’ cheese a makeover with this nutrient-packed, flavorful recipe that uses quinoa instead of pasta for a lighter, more nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons pignoli nuts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/2 juice of fresh lemon
1/4 cup grated cheese of your choice (Kelly recommends a blend of Parmesan and Asiago)
4 organic beef steak tomatoes, top 1 inch sliced off, pulp and seeds scooped out
Directions:
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa, and cook until the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a mesh strainer, and rinse until cold; set aside. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, stir in pignoli nuts, and cook until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic softens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the quinoa and spinach; cook and stir until the quinoa is hot, and the spinach has wilted. Stir in the lemon juice, and the cheese. Meanwhile place tomatoes in a baking dish and place sliced top back on top of the tomato. Place in broiler for 5 minutes until softens slightly, but still remains intact. Take tomatoes out and place the quinoa mixture inside the tomato, like a bowl, and serve.
Makes 4 servings
Recipe provided by Lauren Kelly Nutritionist
