Quinoa gives any stir-fry a modern twist and an enjoyable chewy texture. The stems on shiitake mushrooms are woody and not nice to eat, so make sure to remove and discard them before you slice the caps.
By Cindy Ball, Vancouver
Cook of The Year 2009 Winner, Vegetarian category
Cindy layers roasted and sautéed vegetables between three highly flavoured quinoa mixtures to create a colourful vegetarian “lasagna.” This dish was invented not only for her oldest daughter (the lone vegetarian in a household of meat lovers), but also so the whole family could enjoy more vegetarian meals.
Protein-packed quinoa takes the place of rice in this everyday quick-prep meal. If you're not vegan, top it with a fried egg for even more flavour. Switch up the vegetables with whatever you have on hand.
Sushi lovers, take note: These deconstructed California roll bowls come together in less time than it takes to order takeout. Quinoa cooks quickly, which makes it a great option, but you can use any kind of grain if you're not in a rush.
A hearty addition to any lunch, this salad pleases many palates. Quinoa, an ancient grain, is available at natural food stores and most supermarkets.
?The amount of water you need to cook quinoa varies, so check package instructions for best results. For a twist, top the salad with toasted slivered almonds.
White rice and fatty pork chops are replaced with protein-packed quinoa and lean pork tenderloin in this twist on a Vietnamese favourite. Daikon radish has a very pungent aroma, but its crunchy sweetness works well when pickled. If it's not your thing, you can substitute the same amount of carrot. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover quinoa; if you don't have any on hand, make it ahead and spread it out on a large rimmed baking sheet to cool quickly.
The hardest part of entertaining? Pleasing all types of palates, especially when you have guests with restricted diets. This savoury vegan entrée is filled with quinoa and mushrooms for a satisfying, delicious meal even meat lovers will enjoy. To serve the strudel as a side, cut it into eight to 10 smaller pieces.
Quinoa is an ancient grain native to South America. Its nutty taste and chewy texture make it a great alternative to other grains in salads and soups or as a side dish. Here it pairs perfectly with other South American produce, such as corn and black beans.
Roasted and stir-fried vegetables are layered between flavoured quinoa to create a healthy and colourful take on vegetarian lasagna. My middle daughter is the lone vegetarian in a household of meat lovers. I find lately I've been incorporating more and more vegetarian options into our meals. It's easier on the family budget, the environment and our collective waistlines! That being said, I do find it more difficult to find a vegetarian meal that is "company worthy". This recipe, created with local veggies, is substantial enough to satisfy meat eaters and impressive enough for a casual dinner with friends. While I love how nutritious quinoa is, I sometimes find it a bit bland. Mixing the quinoa layers with 3 different sauces adds a flavour boost. Use the vegetables listed or try ones that are in season in your local area. If you select items that are fresh and colourful you can't go wrong. While the ingredient list looks long don't be daunted, most of the work is building the lasagna layers and the preparation is not complicated. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a light green salad for a delicious, healthy and budget-friendly (under $40 including salad) dinner with friends.
