Fiesta Quinoa and Haddock

I’ve been trying to prepare more seafood because we really love it and its easy to make and healthy.  Quinoa has been my favorite grain for a long time and I’m surprised that so many people just now seem to be discovering it.  Quinoa is a seed and is considered a complete protein, so it’s also very healthy.  It cooks faster than rice, which makes it a great weeknight option. I’ve been making quinoa dishes for years and this Fiesta Quinoa is one of my standbys.  Don’t overcook the quinoa or it will be mushy.  I prefer red quinoa to white for the firmer texture, but used white in the recipe this time.

Fiesta Quinoa

• 1 cup red or white quinoa
• 2 1/4 cups water or preferred broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, diced or 3 tablespoons dried, minced onion
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup frozen corn (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• handful of diced or shredded carrots
• 1 pepper, diced (I used frozen tri-pepper blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (which I forgot to add)
• juice of one lime
• salt and pepper to taste

1. If using fresh onion and garlic, add a spray or drizzle of oil in a medium saucepan with the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Remove pan from heat.
2. Add quinoa and water/broth to the pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in corn, carrots, and peppers. Simmer 5 more minutes or until most of the quinoa seeds open up.  Quinoa is done when the germ separates from the seed and you can see the little spiral-like piece attached.
4. Remove from heat and stir in black beans, cumin, cayenne, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper.

This can be served warm or cold, depending on preference.

Haddock

• Haddock Fillets, thawed, rinsed, and patted dry
• seafood rub or favorite seasonings – lemon pepper is always good too
• oil

1. Heat a little oil in nonstick or cast iron pan.
2. While oil is heating, pat seafood rub on both sides of fish
3. Place fish in the pan and cook for 4 minutes until it turns easily
4. Flip and cook 2 minutes or until done (will depend on thickness)
5. Remove from pan and serve