Grains and Beans

We all know grains and beans are good for us.  They fit well into the food pyramid and keep us satisfied for hours, provide us with nutrients we need, and give us great energy.  One of my new favorite recipes to get all of these great health benefits is quinoa and black beans.  It's much like rice and beans, but better!  It's rather easy as well.  I buy quinoa in bulk at costco.  It's about $7-$9 for a bag, but because it plumps when cooked like most grains, it can actually make A LOT of recipes.  Our bag lasts a long time.  When I make this recipe for two, I always have enough leftovers for both of us to have a hearty lunch the next day, so I have no doubt it will feed four or five.  Today, I am eating lunch from the leftovers from last night.  Here is a link to the recipe I use.  If you buy the bag of quinoa from costco, it is presoaked so it cooks in about 15 minutes or so.

http://www.cookingquinoa.net/quinoa-and-black-beans/

That blog is all about cooking quinoa, and most of the recipes don't include meat.  However, I decided to cook up some fajita style chicken whenever I make this recipe.  The rub takes 2tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper.  I had been baking the chicken, but it has more flavor if you pan fry it with some olive oil and still is rather healthy.  You can add a little more cayenne pepper for a kick, and I also sprinkle some taco seasoning  (which I buy in bulk) in while it is cooking.  I chunk the chicken which not only cooks it quicker but also keeps you from eating so much meat.  I've learned that we should really only eat four ounces of meat at a meal and most of our nutrition should come from veggies and grains.  I cooked two chicken breasts and had plenty left over for lunches today.  Happy cooking!