garden fresh dinner

while i'm back to eating completely, i've tried to stay off most dairy and meat. i'm not saying i'm going vegetarian (already tried that for about 6 years) or vegan. i've had a bit of milk with my cereal in the morning... and that is about it so far!  i thought i'd share this super healthy, and super delish meal that goes perfectly with my new eating habits!  also - it works with the whole zero waste obsession i'm having right now. 

quinoa & black bean salad

makes about 4 servings

ingredients

1 1/4 cups dry quinoa

1 1/2 cups water

2 medium zucchini, sliced length wise

2 small red peppers, halved & seeded

2 cups black beans - i made my own black beans!

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 handful of chopped cilantro

juice of 1 lime

olive oil

cumin

cayenne pepper

salt 

pepper

step 1: rinse the quinoa in a strainer.  place washed quinoa in a pot & add about 1 1/2 cups of water.  most instructions will say to use a 1:2 ratio, but i always find that my quinoa is a bit too soft.  i did some googling and found that a ratio of about 1:1.25 makes perfect quinoa!  bring the quinoa to a boil, then turn down the heat, cover and simmer for about 30 mins.

step 2: while the quinoa is simmering - grill the zucchini.  i used a grill pan, which made the process super easy.

step 3:  roast the red peppers - place on a foil lined pan cut side down and put into a 450 degree oven for about 30 mins.  remove the peppers from the oven, place in a glass bowl and cover for a few minutes.  the steam will make it easier to peel off the skins. 

homemade black beans!  thats BPA free!

step 4:  the quinoa should be done by now.  fluff with a fork and place in a large bowl.  drain the black beans and place into the bowl.  add the garlic & cilantro.

step 5:  roughly chop the zucchini and the roasted red peppers.  add to the bowl.

step 6: drizzle the lime juice and olive oil - to taste.  season with the cumin, cayenne, salt & pepper to taste.  toss the salad to combine.

i served the salad with steamed artichokes - which i grew in my garden!  you can also add some cheese to this if you want - feta or cotija would be tasty!  i skipped the cheese, and i don't think it really made a difference.  even the boyfriend ate the salad, so you know its gotta be good!