It's a fact, Sexie is in. The news is just bursting with the benefits of whole grains and reducing gluten intake. Now you may have heard of it on the Internet or even tried it once but let me formally introduce you to quinoa. (Pronounced keen-wah)
Let me tell you why I'm keen on quinoa: It is high in protein and iron and it's gluten free! Containing more protein than brown rice, this is one Sexie grain. So now that it's Summer, how can I get more quinoa in my mouth? Introducing Gourd-eous Pesto Quinoa Zucchini.
Gourd-eous Pesto Quinoa Zucchini
4 round zucchini
1 cup quinoa (pre-rinsed if needed)
1/3 cup diced mushroom
1/3 cup diced onion
1/4 cup died sun-dried tomatoes
5 "spanked" cloves of garlic (Spanked? What? Click Here)
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup olive oil
salt & pepper
First pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees.
Now cooking quinoa is exactly like cooking rice but the cooking time is usually shorter. Pour 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water into a pot and let them heat up together till boiling. Then put a lid on it and reduce their love to a simmer. Meanwhile, take your round zucchini, cut off the tops and scoop out it's yellow flesh. Lube up a hot pan with olive oil and add the zucchini flesh, onion, mushrooms, & sun dried tomatoes. Let them sautee for a couple minutes and then put a lid on the pan to let them get soft & sweaty.
While things are heating up on your stove, we're going to make some Sexie Pesto. Grab a food processor and add the pine nuts, basil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to the work bowl. Process until creamy, adding more olive oil or salt if needed.
After about 20 minutes of cooking your quinoa should be done. You know it's ready when it has soaked up all the water and looks fluffy. Now it's time to mingle. Take a medium mixing bowl and combine the quinoa, sauteed veggies, & pesto. Stuff the zucchini with this Sexie mixture and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the zucchini seems a bit soft.
Now have fun showing off your bulging gourd.
*Left over pesto quinoa is AMAZING even on it's own so eat those leftovers!