Veggie Packed Quinoa

From http://greatist.com/eat/recipes/veggie-packed-quinoa
BY DANIELLE KARAGANNIS
Serves 2 as a side dish or 1 as a main dish

Combined with any veggie blend, quinoa transforms from a bland side dish to the sparkling main event. With this healthy blend of green veggies and protein-packed chick peas, this quinoa dish is a great healthy alternative to overly-starchy sides.

Ingredients
1 c of quinoa
1/2 bag of fresh spinach leaves (6-8oz)
1/2 c onions, chopped
1 can chickpeas
4 fresh mushrooms, sliced

Dash of desired seasoning (we like a little Sriracha, curry powder, paprika, or oregano)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and 2 cups of water to a boil. Then turn to simmer and continue cooking, covered, until water is absorbed (about 10 to 15 minutes).
2. While quinoa is cooking, sauté spinach, onions, chickpeas, and mushrooms in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil.
3. As vegetables are sautéing, add seasoning of choice and mix well.
4. When quinoa is cooked, add to the skillet with veggies and stir until well combined.

Zesty Shrimp and Quinoa

From http://greatist.com/eat/recipes/zesty-shrimp-and-quinoa
BY DANIELLE KARAGANNIS
Serves 2
This tasty, simple, and satisfying meal makes the perfect weeknight dinner for easy entertaining. Along with being a taste-bud pleaser, this blend of shrimp, quinoa, and onions is a great source of high-quality protein and potassium, which is always a plus!

Ingredients
1/2 c low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1/2 t pepper
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2-4 dashes hot sauce (optional)
1 c quinoa
1 T olive oil
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 c raw shrimp (fresh or frozen and defrosted)

Directions

1. In a medium sized bowl, combine soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, pepper, garlic, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until well blended and set aside.
2. Combine quinoa and 1 3/4 cups water in a pot. (Follow package instructions.) Bring to boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. While quinoa is cooking, begin cooking shrimp: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and onions. When shrimp begin to turn pink, add sauce and continue to cook, stirring frequently.
4. When shrimp is cooked through, add quinoa, and stir until well combined. Top with a drizzle of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime.