Spiced Lemon Quinoa

We love making one pot meals that can be made in bulk, kept in the fridge, and don't need to be reheated before eating.  This very simple and nutritious dish only takes about 30-40 min to make and can be used as an excellent side or an entree by itself.

It's based on many quinoa recipes that are already out there and in store delis, but we differentiate ours by adding in more spices to make the flavor pop.

Ingredients (makes 4 servings):

• 1 cup quinoa seeds - $1.80
• 3 cups low fat / low sodium chicken broth (or water) - $1.10
• Flavoring:  curry powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, all spice - $0.25
• 1 red bell pepper (diced) - $0.70
• 1/2 red onion (diced) - $0.35
• 8 oz frozen green peas - $1.20
• 1/2 bunch green onions (chopped) - $0.50
• Chopped herbs, e.g., rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano - $1.00
• Currants or any dried fruit (chopped) - $0.50
• Lemon juice - $0.50
• Red wine vinegar - $0.20
• Salt and pepper - N/A

Estimated Cost:  $8.10

 Directions:

1. Cook quinoa in rice cooker with chicken broth and/or water and stir in flavoring
2. Quickly blanch the green peas for 2-3 min in boiling water and then cool in ice bath
3. Once quinoa is cooked, refrigerate for at least 20 min to cool
4. Mix quinoa, bell pepper, red onion, green peas, chopped herbs, and dried fruit in large bowl
5. Add lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste

Calories per Serving:  280
Triple H Rating:  10 out of 10 (5 for health and 5 for cheapness factor)