Chicken &  Asparagus/Green Beans
Serves:
Time Required: 20 (30 min. total)

Using quinoa brings an extra dose of protein and fiber to this yummy dish.  A great time saver is to make extra quinoa here for the delectable Chocolate Quinoa Tart Cake.  You’ll be suprised how quick this comes together if you use a rotisserie chicken from the store, but if you want to cook your own, let it cook in your slow cooker while you sleep, or use some more of that leftover turkey.  Replace asparagus with green beans if you want to make use of a delicious, seasonal vegetable.

Ingredients:

1 cup(s) quinoa -- uncooked, or couscous
2 cup(s) water
3/4 cup(s) red onion -- chopped fine
1 bunch asparagus -- cut off white bottoms, approx. 1"
2 garlic clove(s) -- crushed
2 cup(s) shredded chicken -- rotisserie works well, or leftover turkey
1/2 cup(s) green peas -- baby peas if possible, or corn
4 cup(s) baby spinach leaves -- flexible amount

Directions

Prep Work:  Cook quinoa.  Chop onions and asparagus or green beans. (Store separately.) Peel garlic cloves. Take chicken meat off bones and chop or shred.

1. Cook quinoa according to directions below.

2. Heat 1 Tbsp. frying oil in large skillet on medium heat and sauté onion and asparagus/ green beans until bright green, approx. 5-7 minutes.

3. Add garlic and peas, sauté briefly, then add chicken and cooked quinoa.  (Add a few tsp. or water or broth if needed to keep from burning.) 

4. Add spinach and sauté until it wilts, approx. 3-5 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.


ALTERNATE INGREDIENTS:

- Replace peas with corn.
- For the meat cook a turkey loin in a crockpot: Salt and pepper all sides of the meat in bottom of pot, add sweet potatoes cut in disks, wedged onions and 2 c. broth. Cook on for 5-6 hours. 
- One sweet potato from pot diced and added to the entree for a little seasonal color and taste.


                                        (adapted from wholefoodmarket.com)


Quinoa cooking directions: Bring quinoa and water to boil in a small saucepan.  Reduce heat to simmer and cook another 15-20 minutes. Water will become absorbed and quinoa will be fluffy.

TIME SAVER:  Add quinoa and water amounts from Chocolate Quinoa Tart Cake, Hearty Meatballs, and cook all together.  The extras will save in the refrigerator just like rice. 
                                             

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