Shrimp and Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

Whenever I mention quinoa - I get the same reaction... "I'm not really a fan of quinoa." 

I say FALSE. You just haven't had quinoa prepared the right way (stay tuned for the secret). I promise you this dish is seriously YUMMY. 

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Quinoa (I use the white/tan quinoa)

2 Cups of Chicken Broth

1/2lb of Shrimp 

1 Package of Pre-cut Bella Mushrooms

1 Package of Baby Spinach 

1 Package of Pre-cut Broccoli 

3 Zucchinis 

2 Teaspoons of Garlic Powder

2 Teaspoons of Paprika

1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder

With this recipe, I usually am able to make 4-5 portions

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by adding the chicken broth to a pot and bring to a boil. 

NOTE: The key to tasty quinoa is the chicken broth. This provides more flavor as quinoa has a generally bland flavor. 

2.  Once the broth has reached a boiling point, add the quinoa. The quinoa should cook for about 20 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed. I would taste the quinoa before serving it just to make sure it is fully cooked. 

IF NOT, add some more chicken broth. 

3. While the quinoa is cooking, cut up the zucchini. 

4. Start pre-heating a pan to cook the vegetables. 

5. I start by adding the vegetables that will need the most cooking time, the broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini. 

I like my vegetables to be soft so I usually cook my vegetables for at least 10 minutes. 

I add the spinach last. 

6. After all the vegetables have been added, incorporate the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika).

7. Meanwhile, put on another pan to cook the shrimp. I usually cook them on medium heat for 3 minutes. 

8. Now that all the cooking is complete, it is now time to assemble this totally delicious dish. 

I put the quinoa on the bottom, then the vegetables, and then the shrimp. 

9. ENJOY :))))))) 

This dish is great to bring to work for lunch at work or even have for dinner if you get home late at night as I sometimes do. 

Best part about a dish like this is that you can add any kind of vegetables or protein you like. I have so far stuck to seafood (salmon and shrimp). 

For extra flavor, you could create a marinade for the protein. I have done an asian one (soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey, garlic, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar). 

Hope you all enjoy this dish as much as I do and now have a love for quinoa! 

Spinach, Artichoke, Cheese, and Pork Ravioli

If you guys could not tell already, I am a HUGE fan of meal prep.

This meal does require a tiny bit of effort but is delicious! This meal can be made in advance and then  stored in the freezer until you are ready to eat them.

Ingredients:
1 Package of Wonton Wrappers
1 Package of Spinach
1 Can of Artichokes
1 Small Container of Ricotta Cheese
1 1/2 Cup of Mozzarella Cheese
1 Can of Tomato Sauce
1/2 lb of Ground Pork
1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon of Paprika


Cooking Instructions:
1. Start by placing the spinach and artichokes into the food processor.

2. Once the spinach and the artichokes have been finely chopped - add the mozzarella and the ricotta cheese (add as much or as little cheese as you would like).

3. Once the spinach, artichoke, and cheese mixture is complete - cook the ground pork to the pan. While the pork is cooking, add the onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Once the meat is done cooking. It is time to start assembling the ravioli! You will need the wonton wrappers and a small bowl of water.

5. Take one wonton and place some of the spinach, artichoke, and cheese mixture in the middle of the wonton. Then add some pork on top.

6. Once the mixture is on the wonton, use your finger to put water around the edges of the wonton.

7. Then fold the wonton in half and make sure all of the edges are sealed.

8. REPEAT until all of the ravioli has been made.

9. In regards to meal prep, I separate the ravioli into portions. I put about 8 ravioli each in a plastic bag.

10. Store the ravioli in the freezer.

11. Once you are ready to eat the ravioli, start to boil the water in a pot and remove the ravioli from the freezer.

12. After the water has come to a boil, add a tiny bit of olive oil and salt into the water. This will help prevent the ravioli from sticking to each other.

13. Place the ravioli into the hot water. They should only need to cook for 3-4 minutes.

14. While the ravioli is cooking, start heating up the tomato sauce.

15. Once the ravioli is cooked, use a colander to drain the water.

16. Then combine the ravioli and tomato sauce together and top with mozzarella cheese and VOILA RAVIOLI!!!!

COME ON! How good does that look?!

SO YUM!