I feel like I'm Catching a Cold.
Today I'm feeling under the weather, my husband has been sick for a week and I was doing everything in my power to not catch this bug that has been going around. I was trying to stay on top of taking my vitamins and antioxidants and staying hydrated, however today I just feel run down. I still have somewhat of an appetite and I really was craving VEGETABLES. I thought about making home made soup but I wasn't in the mood so I came up with this recipe.
When your sick you just want comfort food & veggies to me fits that bill.
The weather this week so far has been cloudy could be the reason why I feel like going back to bed, but I made it through the work day. I had bought some root vegetables and some butternut squash at the Fresh market last week & this recipe is a great way to use what is in your fridge or pantry .
(Somewhat organized)
My food pantry is always stocked with Quinoa, all sorts of whole grain & gluten free pastas as well as brown & basmati rice and Farro (type of wheat-popular in Italy) with this recipe below you can mix & match to any type of starch to your liking.
I always have some sort of stock on hand Organic vegetable, beef and/or free range chicken stock so you can always make it with your rice and Quinoa ( substitute for water) and to make soups.
When I eat healthy I know I'm going to feel better. One of the many reasons why I've chosen to make this for my dinner......
Quinoa:
Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it
supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine
essential amino acids. Quinoa is a very good source of manganese, a mineral
that serve as a cofactor for the superoxide dismutase enzyme. Superoxide
dismutase is an antioxidant that helps to protect the mitochondria from
oxidative damage created during energy production as well as guard other cells,
such as red blood cells, from injury caused by free radicals.
Turmeric:
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Test
tube and animal studies suggest turmeric may kill bacteria and viruses.
But researchers don' t know whether it would work in people. Curcumin (what gives Tumeric the yellow color) is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge molecules
in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper
with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can fight free
radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they
cause.
Cumin:
Common Cold is a viral infection which affects our body frequently when our
immune system goes weak. Again, the essential oils present in cumin act as
disinfectants and help fight viral infections which cause common cold. Cumin
also does not let cough formation in the respiratory system as it is supposed
to be hot and dries up the excess mucus. Cumin is rich in iron and has considerable amount of vitamin-C,
which are essential for a good immunity and keeps infections away.
Coriander:
It is a good source of iron and magnesium. Also rich in vitamins A,B and C also acts as an expectorant.
Quinoa with Roasted Butternut Squash,
Parsnips, Carrots & Portabello Mushroom
Ingredients-( I Always make more Quinoa for leftover dishes)
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into 3/4″ pieces
- 1 1/2 cups parsnips, cut into 3/4″ pieces
- 8 Portobello Mushrooms
- 2 cups butternut squash, cut into 3/4″ pieces
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 2 cups quinoa
- 2 large cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian dish)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a heavy rimmed baking sheet with Aluminum foil .
Wash & cut all your vegetables.
Cut into about 3/4″ pieces
The butternut squash will need to be cut into two parts.
Cut into 3/4″ pieces.
Cut the remaining squash in half
Scoop out seeds.
De-gill the mushrooms .
Grapefruit spoon does a good job.
Much more appetizing than the dead grass.
Place all veggies on the baking sheet. Spread out the carrots and parsnips into a single layer on one half and the butternut squash on the other and the mushrooms on the end.
Add a couple garlic cloves.
Drizzle veggies with Extra virgin Olive Oil
Add your spices.
I eyeball them in the palm of my hand.
Then mix together.
Spread spice mixture on veggies except the mushrooms.
Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
Roast for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
The butternut squash will be ready before the carrots and parsnips.
While the vegetables are roasting you can start the Quinoa.
Measure out Quinoa according to pkg direction.
1 cup of Quinoa per 2 cups liquid.
I'm making extra so another cup added.
Rinse the quinoa with water in a fine mesh strainer.
Add to pot.
Add 2 cups of chicken stock.
Making double batch.
Add 2 more cups of stock.
Set on high & bring to rapid boil.
Cover with lid.
Reduce heat to low,
and cook covered until quinoa is done and liquid is absorbed.
and cook covered until quinoa is done and liquid is absorbed.
Check on vegetables and stir around so they all cook evenly.
Optional: I add a little garlic salt on the Portobello mushrooms.
While dinner is cooking
I was able to clean up the Kitchen mess & wash dishes.
I was able to clean up the Kitchen mess & wash dishes.
(Normally I leave everything in the sink or my husband does them.)
I received 2 cards today. One from my mother in-law .
Thanking me for her Mother's Day present(The Pati Doll).
I found the other card that my husband left for me by the computer.
He knew I wasn't feeling well today.
My husband & my mother in-law always pick the best cards!
Ok back to Dinner.........
Quinoa is done all the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork.
Just like you do with rice. Its a delicate grain treat with care.
Cut up the mushroom into bite size pieces.
Spray Quinoa with no calorie/ no fat butter spray.
Top Quinoa with the roasted Vegetables.
Enjoy! Heres to Feeling Better !
Now need some rest I"m going to Bed .....Good Night!
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