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!