Quinoa Ivy Wrap

I have neglected for some time now to write this post; which surprises me because quinoa has pretty much found a weekly spot in my meal planning.

 

When people in my office see me eating it; they have so many questions. I'll share some.

 

Pre-cooked quinoa



Let's start with: what is quinoa?

The technical answer is that quinoa is a species of goosefoot; a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds (per Wikipedia). In short, it's a grain.

 

Why eat quinoa?

It's a great source of protein.

 

Is it easy to cook?

Yes, it's pretty much cooked the exact same way as rice.

 

What do you eat it with?

I use it as a substitute for rice and sometimes pasta.  I also use it as a protein filler to decrease the amount of meat-protein in a dish.

 

Is it expensive?

Not at all.  When I first searched it out, I paid $7 for a bag at Target, which I did think was expensive.  Since then I've realized that my local grocery store, Jewel, and Whole Foods sell it for much less.  I probably go through one or two boxes of this a month at $2.99 each.

 

I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of quinoa already.  It's one of those "trend" foods.  One of my favorite work lunches is Protein Bar.  Mainly because they have online ordering so I can avoid a long line, but also because it is SO good and fairly healthy.  The majority of their dishes are quinoa based.

 

I decided to try to recreate their Green Ivy. It turned out GREAT.

  

Ivy Quinoa Wrap

Ingredients:

(Serves ~4)

• 1lb chicken breast
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2+ cups fresh spinach
• 4 wraps
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan
• 1/2 to 1 cup pesto*
• 1 can chicken broth**



Ingredients

*: Here's my go-to pesto recipe.  I omit pine seeds to save on cost and also cut calories.

 

**Note: Because it was my first time making quinoa, I decided to cook it in chicken broth for additional flavor.  Since then, I just cook it in water and cannot tell a difference

 

Directions:

• In a pot, add 2 cups water (or broth) and 1 cup quinoa (Whenever cooking quinoa, keep a 2:1 ratio between liquid and quinoa
• Like rice, bring to a boil and then cover with lid and take down to a simmer

Initially in pot

• While your quinoa is cooking; cook your chicken/cut into small pieces and season; I use the Old Taylor Street Cheese Sprinkle from Spice House for ours; but salt, pepper and garlic is yummy also (Also note; they have a variety of Chicago Spices that make for cute gifts!)

 

• Stir pesto into your quinoa

Cooked in pot

 You can tell the quinoa is cooked by taste/softness and when you start to

 see the outline of the grains, like below.

 

• Bring water to a boil and steam your spinach

• Add quinoa, chicken, spinach and cheese to your wrap and enjoy!

 

I recently created a Pinterest board for quinoa inspirations.  Often times I look at Protien Bar's menu and see what sounds good to recreate.  I've even subbed quinoa for pasta and made "mac and cheese" with it.  It's also a great noodle subtitute in "pasta" salad! I've used it as a substitute side for Cilantro Lime Chicken (just cooked and then adding in lime and cilantro for flavor).

 

The possibilities are endless!