QUINOA SURPRISE is "surprisingly delicious." -friend and recent QS fan, Keleigh Thomas

"Quinoa Surprise" is one of our staple recipes because it is good... and good for you (a rare combination!) AND, because it is an easy thing to whip together for friends, as you can sip wine and catch up with them while it simmers.  The affect is one where you appear to be quite the domestic goddess effortlessly buzzing around the kitchen while still being socially engaged. We know it sounds like rabbit food and your vegan friends will love you for it, but it is quite a hearty meal packed with protein.  For more umph, saute a few shrimp in olive oil and garlic, and serve them on top.  We usually make a big vat of it and have it for lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Quinoa Surprise

1 teaspoon vegetable or olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernals
1 1/2 cups black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen peas
2 avocados

optional:
shrimp
cilantro

PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 30 minutes

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.

2. Mix quinoa into saucepan and pour in broth.  Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.  Bring mixture to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Stir frozen corn and peas into the saucepan and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.  Mix in black beans.  Optional: mix in cilantro.

4. Serve with sliced avocado on top.  Optional: saute shrimp in garlic and olive oil until pink and serve on top of quinoa with avocado.